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Apple’s trade-secrets case against OpenAI sharpened as AI vendors tested pricing tied to results and interfaces moved from chat toward action. The day also brought a fast ECG triage tool, new agent controls, and signals of specialized compute demand.

Lead story / security risk

Apple alleges an ex-engineer used its circuit schematic in OpenAI work

Apple has filed new evidence in its trade-secrets case against OpenAI, alleging that former Apple engineer Chang Liu used a confidential circuit schematic in OpenAI work. The August 31 submission supports Apple’s request for expedited discovery and an injunction that would bar OpenAI from using Apple trade secrets.

Apple says forensic analysis of a company MacBook retained by Liu found unauthorized access to Apple information and efforts to conceal the activity. The company alleges Liu downloaded the schematic in March, two months after leaving Apple, used it with LTspice for power-conversion development, and trained an AI agent to run simulations, inspect results, and tune a compensation parameter.

Apple also alleges that, after learning of its internal investigation, Liu instructed an OpenAI colleague to destroy evidence. It wants access to a Mac mini and other devices still in Liu’s possession, arguing that the Mac mini synced with the recovered MacBook and that its trade secrets may remain in active use.

OpenAI has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, calling Apple’s allegations meritless and stating that it does not have or want Apple’s trade secrets. Judge Edward J. Davila is scheduled to hear arguments in October; the immediate dispute is whether Apple gets faster access to the devices and records it seeks.