Apple Trade Secrets Suit Could Complicate OpenAI’s Hardware Push and Reported IPO Plans

Apple alleges misconduct tied to OpenAI’s hardware organization and says more than 400 former Apple employees now work at the AI company, adding uncertainty as OpenAI is reportedly eyeing an IPO as early as later this year.

Apple has filed a trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, according to TechCrunch, raising questions for the AI company’s hardware ambitions and reported plans for an initial public offering.

The complaint, filed last Friday, alleges a pattern of misconduct that Apple says reaches to OpenAI’s chief hardware officer. Apple also claims that more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI.

The allegations put OpenAI’s developing hardware effort in focus. TechCrunch reported that the lawsuit could affect the company’s hardware ambitions, though the available record does not establish the specific trade secrets at issue or the remedies Apple is seeking.

OpenAI’s response has so far been carefully hedged, TechCrunch reported. No direct statement from the company is included in the available material.

The timing is notable because OpenAI is reportedly considering an IPO as early as later this year. It is not confirmed that the company will proceed with a public offering or that it has set a filing or listing date.

The lawsuit does not establish that Apple’s allegations will be proven or that OpenAI’s hardware plans have been delayed. But it introduces a legal issue as OpenAI builds out its hardware organization and reportedly weighs a path to the public markets.