tech
Oh dear, did someone steal something from Apple?
Apple says OpenAI stole its trade secrets. Here's how Apple has faced similar accusations from rivals in the past.
TL;DR
- Apple is suing OpenAI, accusing them of recruiting Apple engineers and stealing confidential information and trade secrets for their hardware ambitions.
- This lawsuit is similar to past cases where Apple itself was accused of using comparable tactics by hiring away key employees from companies like Masimo and A123 Systems.
- In the Masimo case, Apple was accused of using knowledge gained from hired employees to develop its Apple Watch blood oxygen sensor, leading to patent infringement allegations and an import ban.
- A123 Systems accused Apple of systematically recruiting its advanced battery team members and benefiting from confidential research.
- The article suggests that Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI might be a defensive move by a large tech giant feeling threatened by a disruptive newcomer.
- The distinction between employees freely taking their knowledge to new jobs and actual trade secret theft is often difficult to define in Silicon Valley.
- Apple was previously involved in a secret pact with other tech giants to prevent direct employee solicitation, which resulted in significant settlement payments.