According to a Reuters report today, OpenAI filed a motion on Wednesday seeking dismissal of Apple’s complaint. Apple had sued OpenAI and two former Apple employees, alleging trade-secret theft aimed at helping OpenAI expand into consumer hardware.
OpenAI’s lawyers stated: “OpenAI has no use, need or desire for Apple’s trade secrets. OpenAI is building something entirely new and different from anything at Apple.” They argued that Apple’s complaint fails to sufficiently describe the claimed trade secrets (calling the generalized product-development categories inadequate), does not show ownership of a protectable trade secret, and does not plausibly allege misappropriation. The filing also said Apple should not be allowed to use a “baseless and pretextual lawsuit” to offset difficulties retaining talent or integrating AI into its products.
Apple’s earlier complaint (filed in July) claimed OpenAI systematically obtained and used confidential information via former employees, recruiting practices, and supplier relationships to speed up its consumer-hardware plans. The dispute centers on competition for future AI devices that may not rely on traditional apps or operating systems and could draw attention away from the iPhone; analysts believe OpenAI is developing a phone or similar device.
The two companies still maintain a partnership that lets Apple users access ChatGPT through Siri and sign up for ChatGPT memberships via iOS settings. Apple did not immediately comment on the motion.
MacDailyNews Take: The usual legal wrangling. We highly doubt the case will be summarily dismissed.
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