Apple Sues OpenAI Over Theft of Hardware Trade Secrets
Apple 起訴 OpenAI 盜用硬體商業秘密
Introduction
Apple has filed a federal lawsuit in California against OpenAI, some of its former hardware executives, and a subsidiary company. Apple claims that OpenAI systematically stole trade secrets to speed up the development of its own AI-powered consumer devices.
Apple 在加州提起聯邦訴訟，起訴 OpenAI、部分前硬體高階主管及一家子公司。Apple 指稱 OpenAI 系統性地盜用商業秘密，以加速其自有 AI 驅動消費裝置的開發。
Main Body
The lawsuit focuses on claims of organized misconduct during OpenAI's hiring process. Apple asserts that OpenAI, specifically through Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan, encouraged former Apple employees to steal private data. According to the complaint, OpenAI asked for physical prototypes, such as batteries and logic boards, during interviews. Furthermore, Apple alleges that Tan used internal security manuals to teach new recruits how to avoid security checks when leaving Apple.
該訴訟集中於 OpenAI 招聘過程中組織化的不當行為。Apple 主張 OpenAI 特別是透過硬體首席長官 Tang Tan，鼓勵前 Apple 員工竊取私人數據。根據起訴書，OpenAI 在面試期間要求提供實體原型，例如電池和邏輯板。此外，Apple 指稱 Tan 使用內部安全手冊，指導新員工在離開 Apple 時如何避開安全檢查。
Specific evidence involves Chang Liu, a former senior engineer, who allegedly kept a company laptop and used a security flaw to download large amounts of confidential files after he was fired. Apple also claims that OpenAI's hardware unit, io Products, tried to copy Apple's special metal-finishing techniques by lying to third-party suppliers about having Apple's permission.
具體證據涉及前高級工程師 Chang Liu，據稱他在被解僱後保留了公司筆電，並利用安全漏洞下載大量機密文件。Apple 還聲稱 OpenAI 的硬體部門 io Products 透過向第三方供應商謊稱已獲得 Apple 許可，企圖抄襲 Apple 特有的金屬精加工技術。
This legal battle follows a period of cooperation where ChatGPT was integrated into Apple's systems in 2024. However, the relationship worsened as OpenAI began developing its own hardware. Consequently, Apple has started using Google's Gemini models more for its Siri updates. Through this lawsuit, Apple is seeking financial compensation, the return of its property, and a court order to stop OpenAI from using its intellectual property.
這場法律之爭發生在雙方合作期間之後，ChatGPT 於 2024 年被整合至 Apple 系統中。然而，隨著 OpenAI 開始開發自有硬體，雙方關係惡化。因此，Apple 在更新 Siri 時，開始更多地使用 Google 的 Gemini 模型。透過此次訴訟，Apple 尋求經濟賠償、要求歸還財產，以及法院禁令以阻止 OpenAI 使用其知識產權。
Conclusion
Apple is now asking the court to stop the alleged theft of its trade secrets and to recover money lost due to OpenAI's hardware development strategies.
Apple 目前要求法院停止涉嫌盜用商業秘密的行為，並追回因 OpenAI 硬體開發策略而損失的資金。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'Cause & Effect' Power-Up
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using 'and' or 'so' for every sentence. B2 speakers use Connectors of Consequence. These words act like bridges, showing the logical relationship between two events.
Look at this shift from the text:
- A2 Style: OpenAI made its own hardware, so Apple used Google instead.
- B2 Style: OpenAI began developing its own hardware. Consequently, Apple has started using Google's Gemini models.
🛠️ The B2 Toolset: 'Consequently' & 'Furthermore'
- Consequently (Result/Effect) Use this when the second sentence happens because of the first. It is a formal version of 'so'.
Example from text: The relationship worsened Consequently, Apple changed partners.
- Furthermore (Adding Weight) Use this when you aren't just adding a detail, but adding a stronger or more serious point. It is the 'professional' version of 'also'.
Example from text: OpenAI asked for prototypes. Furthermore, they used security manuals to help people steal.
🔍 Linguistic Pattern: The 'Alleged' Shield
Notice the words 'allegedly' and 'claims'. In B2 English, especially in news or business, we don't say "He stole the laptop" if the court hasn't decided yet. We use Hedging Language to avoid being wrong:
- Instead of: "He stole files." Use: "He allegedly kept a laptop."
- Instead of: "OpenAI stole secrets." Use: "Apple claims that OpenAI stole secrets."
B2 Pro Tip: Using these words makes you sound more objective and precise, which is a key requirement for passing B2 exams.