▲ OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Apple CEO Tim Cook
Amidst allegations of trade secret theft against AI leader OpenAI, Apple has now issued warning letters to dozens of its former employees who moved to the company, threatening legal action.
The British daily Financial Times reported, citing multiple sources, that Apple has sent legal warning letters to approximately 40 former employees currently working at OpenAI.
The letters reportedly include instructions to preserve all work-related documents and communication records, as well as a demand for the recipients to meet with Apple's legal team.
This move comes just days after Apple filed a major lawsuit against OpenAI and two former Apple executives who had moved to the company.
In the lawsuit, Apple claimed that these executives, who had worked at Apple for 24 years, stole internal confidential information before joining OpenAI.
The conflict is particularly sensitive as it arises at a time when OpenAI is accelerating the development of its own artificial intelligence (AI) devices in collaboration with Apple's former chief design officer.
In documents submitted to the court, Apple argued that the evidence included in the lawsuit is merely the "tip of the iceberg" regarding the extensive trade secret infringement committed by OpenAI.
On the other hand, OpenAI countered by stating, "We take the allegations seriously, but we are not aware of any evidence that there is any merit to this lawsuit."
The Financial Times assessed that this lawsuit is an example showing that the relationship between the two iconic Silicon Valley companies has effectively collapsed.
In particular, it is expected to act as a significant legal burden for OpenAI, which is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) amid high market expectations.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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