Elon Musk says OpenAI cannot be trusted as Apple seeks court injunction in trade secrets lawsuit
Follow UsReacting to a post on X about Apple seeking a preliminary injunction in its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, Elon Musk wrote, "Can't trust OpenAI."
Apple has asked for expedited discovery from OpenAI, its foundation, hardware chief Tang Yew Tan, senior systems engineer Chang Liu, and io.
Apple also said its investigation has identified 11 other former Apple employees beyond Liu and Tan who may have been witnesses or played a role in the case.
Apple has stepped up its legal fight against OpenAI by asking a US court for a preliminary injunction in its trade secrets lawsuit. The iPhone maker wants the court to stop OpenAI from developing AI devices or other products that it believes could be based on Apple’s confidential technology while the case continues. Apple also claims that its ongoing investigation has uncovered signs that more former employees may have been involved in the alleged theft of trade secrets. Reacting to a post on X about Apple’s latest court move, Elon Musk wrote, “Can’t trust OpenAI.”
SurveyIn a new court filing, Apple asked for expedited discovery from OpenAI, its foundation, hardware chief Tang Yew Tan, senior systems engineer Chang Liu, and io, the hardware startup co-founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive.
Can’t trust OpenAI https://t.co/U2C74IGUUk
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 4, 2026
Apple also said its investigation has identified 11 other former Apple employees beyond Liu and Tan who may have been witnesses or played a role in the case, according to TechCrunch. The company mentioned that this group includes people beyond those named in its original complaint.
“For example, another former Apple employee seems to have met with Mr. Liu and Ms. Peng in advance of Ms. Peng’s interview at OpenAI and discussed with them during that meeting Apple proprietary information relating to unannounced products,” the filing reads, as per TechCrunch. “Yet another former Apple employee took screenshots of confidential Apple documents relating to an unannounced Apple product before an interview at OpenAI.”
“And, after Apple filed its complaint, multiple former Apple employees now working at OpenAI reached out to discuss returning Apple-issued work devices they kept when they left Apple,” Apple claimed in the filing.
Also read: OpenAI hits back at Apple trade secret lawsuit, says iPhone maker got key facts wrong
Apple argued that these developments give it good reason to believe more people may have been involved in the alleged theft of intellectual property. The company said this is why it is asking the court to allow expedited discovery while its request for a preliminary injunction is being considered.
OpenAI has responded to Apple’s latest claims in a public blog post. The company said Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction is “both based on false information and completely unnecessary because we do not have, nor want, any of their trade secrets.”
OpenAI added, “We’re much more interested in building innovative products and technologies that push the frontier.”
The company also criticised Apple’s handling of the case. It said Apple had previously contacted the wrong person after confusing two similar surnames. OpenAI further claimed that Apple lied about discussing matters with its general counsel.
