OpenAI and Apple legal battle escalates, poached employees warned about data deletion
Apple has reportedly sent legal letters to former staffers now working at OpenAI, warning them against deleting data that could be used in the brewing legal battle over OpenAI's alleged theft of company secrets. Sam Altman of OpenAI Apple filed a lawsuit in early July, 2026, arguing that OpenAI received trade secrets from its former employees. Former executives Tang Tan and Chang Liu were also named in the lawsuit. Now, The Financial Times reports that Apple has sent letters to approximately 40 former employees. The legal communications require the preservation of all relevant documentation, ensuring that it can be called upon when required. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
What happened?
Apple has reportedly sent legal letters to former staffers now working at OpenAI, warning them against deleting data that could be used in the brewing legal battle over OpenAI's alleged theft of company secrets. Sam Altman of OpenAI Apple filed a lawsuit in early July, 2026, arguing that OpenAI received trade secrets from its former employees. Former executives Tang Tan and Chang Liu were also named in the lawsuit. Now, The Financial Times reports that Apple has sent letters to approximately 40 former employees. The legal communications require the preservation of all relevant documentation, ensuring that it can be called upon when required. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Story details
Apple has reportedly sent legal letters to former staffers now working at OpenAI, warning them against deleting data that could be used in the brewing legal battle over OpenAI's alleged theft of company secrets.
Sam Altman of OpenAI Apple filed a lawsuit in early July, 2026, arguing that OpenAI received trade secrets from its former employees.
Former executives Tang Tan and Chang Liu were also named in the lawsuit.
Why it matters
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