Apple challenges OpenAI’s forensic analysis in trade secrets case, seeks access to hardware R&D
9to5mac.com Sep 22, 2026

Apple challenges OpenAI’s forensic analysis in trade secrets case, seeks access to hardware R&D

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple has requested that the court allow its own forensic experts to examine images used by defendants in its trade‑secret lawsuit against OpenAI and io Products. The suit alleges former Apple employees, including Chang Liu and Tang Tan, misappropriated confidential hardware schematics and guided other employees to bring proprietary components to interviews. Apple claims its experts found critical flaws in the defendants’ analysis and seeks expedited access to documents on OpenAI’s hardware R&D, such as metal finishes and power‑management designs. The court has ordered both parties to submit joint positions on expedited discovery.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The case could set a precedent for how courts handle proprietary data in AI‑related litigation, potentially tightening access to sensitive technical information in high‑stakes tech disputes.