# OpenAI accuses ex-worker of stealing 100+ files for Apple

> OpenAI claims a former employee transferred over 100 confidential files about unreleased hardware to Apple, escalating a tit-for-tat legal battle between the two companies.
- Title: OpenAI accuses ex-worker of stealing 100+ files for Apple
- Summary: OpenAI claims a former employee transferred over 100 confidential files about unreleased hardware to Apple, escalating a tit-for-tat legal battle between the…
- Keywords: openai, apple, trade secrets, lawsuit, hardware, confidential information, former employee, technology, accuses, ex-worker, stealing, 100
- Source: TechRadar — https://techradar.com/pro/openai-claims-ex-employee-took-100-plus-secret-files-to-apple
- Published: 2026-10-16T12:06:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: openai, apple, trade secrets, lawsuit, hardware, confidential information, former employee, technology
## OpenAI accuses ex-worker of theft
OpenAI has accused a former employee of taking more than one hundred highly confidential files of unreleased hardware to Apple. The worker transferred top-secret files to a personal account before returning to work at Apple.
## The worker's history
The employee worked at OpenAI for a six-month stint between two separate stints at Apple, giving the worker access to both companies' operations and confidential information.
## Part of a broader lawsuit
The OpenAI complaint stems from a much broader case in which Apple originally sued OpenAI and two former Apple employees for similar reasons relating to trade secrets.
## What OpenAI claims was stolen
OpenAI accused the worker of transferring detailed images of unreleased hardware, confidential engineering and manufacturing information, supplier details, and delivering a presentation about OpenAI's product plans to senior Apple executives.
## Apple denies the allegations
Apple said it has policies and procedures in place to ensure new employees do not use confidential information from previous employers and has found no evidence to support OpenAI's allegations.

> Apple said it has policies and procedures in place to ensure new employees do not use confidential information from previous employers and it has found no evidence to support OpenAI's allegations.
## The case continues
OpenAI wants the court to establish whether its confidential information reached Apple and determine whether there are grounds for further legal action. Both companies now face complaints from each other about handling confidential information.
## Key takeaway

OpenAI accused a former employee of taking over 100 secret files about unreleased hardware to Apple, part of an escalating legal dispute between the two tech giants.