Apple Is Suing OpenAI. An Engineer Wrote “LOL, I Can Still Access the Server.” That Quote Is Now in a Federal Lawsuit.
Author(s): Dr Swarneendu AI
Originally published on Towards AI.
Apple Is Suing OpenAI. An Engineer Wrote “LOL, I Can Still Access the Server.” That Quote Is Now in a Federal Lawsuit.
Over 400 former Apple engineers now work at OpenAI. Two are named defendants.
The article explains the federal lawsuit Apple filed against OpenAI and two former employees, highlighting evidence that shows post-departure access to Apple’s internal network storage and downloading of confidential hardware and AI-related materials. It describes the “talent drain” context—how large numbers of former Apple engineers moved to OpenAI and worked on chip, neural engine, secure enclave, and foundation model research—then breaks down the specific allegations against Tang Yew Tan and Chang Liu, including Liu’s alleged written “LOL” message and access/download logs. It outlines what was allegedly taken (silicon architecture documentation, manufacturing specifications, inference optimization methods, and training configurations), summarizes OpenAI’s general denial/response approach, and argues the case is legally distinctive because the claims focus on unauthorized system access and documented removal of specific trade secrets rather than mere employee mobility or competitive strategy. Finally, it discusses broader implications for the AI industry: heightened scrutiny of onboarding and credential/revocation practices, and the likelihood of more litigation as technical talent markets tighten and knowledge portability norms erode.
Read the full blog for free on Medium.
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