Apple alleges OpenAI employee accessed circuit plans after joining startup

Apple has presented new evidence in its trade-secret lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging former Apple engineer Chang Liu accessed and used a confidential power-converter circuit schematic after joining the artificial-intelligence company. In a filing dated August 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Apple said forensic examination of a MacBook provided on August 21 found an Apple trade-secret file that had been used while Liu worked at OpenAI. Apple said Liu used the schematic in March for circuit simulations and described an AI agent that could operate LTspice and review results. The company is seeking expedited discovery, arguing the findings warrant faster access to documents and testimony. OpenAI has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit and denied wrongdoing, saying it does not possess or want Apple’s trade secrets. No court has determined that Liu or OpenAI misappropriated Apple information, and Apple’s forensic investigation remains incomplete.