Apple Targets OpenAI Defectors with Legal Preservation Notices

The move follows a recent lawsuit filed by Apple, which explicitly accuses two high-profile defectors—former Vice President of Product Design Tang Yew Tan and iPhone engineer Chang Liu—of misappropriating proprietary data to aid OpenAI’s hardware development. While OpenAI has publicly denied these claims, Apple’s legal filings characterize this situation as merely the tip of the iceberg.

By targeting a segment of its former workforce, Apple is effectively placing these employees under a microscope as the litigation proceeds. With over 400 former Apple employees currently employed by OpenAI, these preservation notices serve as both a preemptive discovery measure and a pointed warning. Apple appears intent on uncovering whether the alleged misuse of confidential information extends beyond the two individuals already named in court, potentially setting the stage for further legal action against those who transitioned to the AI firm.