Apple asked the court to require former employees Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, along with OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng and another former Apple employee now at OpenAI, to testify in depositions as part of its lawsuit over alleged trade secret theft, reported Reuters.
The iPhone maker is seeking depositions from representatives of OpenAI and its commercial arm, IO Products, arguing that it will be “irreparably harmed” unless the court grants a preliminary injunction.
Apple also filed a motion seeking expedited discovery, requesting documents related to the defendants’ alleged access to its proprietary and trade secret information.
Apple filed its lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California shortly after OpenAI defeated a legal challenge brought by Elon Musk‘s xAI.
“Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction is both based on false information and completely unnecessary because we do not have, nor want, any of their trade secrets,” OpenAI stated in a blog post.
CNBC commentator Jim Cramer reacted to the report and said, “Apple going for the prelim injunction against OpenAI.. Gloves off.”
AI Hardware Battle Intensifies
Apple alleges in court filings that OpenAI hardware chief and former Apple executive Tang Tan encouraged job candidates to disclose confidential Apple information during recruitment interviews. Tan has been named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Earlier this year, reports said OpenAI shifted production of its first Jony Ive-designed AI device from Luxshare to Foxconn Technology Group, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd (OTC:HNHAF), to speed up its launch.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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