Apple says it filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and is seeking court orders to prevent OpenAI from using or disclosing Apple trade secrets, require return of confidential materials, and preserve evidence. Apple’s allegations center on a purported operation to obtain confidential information tied to unannounced technologies and products, including engineering presentations and proprietary project data.

Among the individuals named, Apple alleges Chang Liu—who previously worked at Apple for eight years—failed to return an Apple-issued laptop after joining OpenAI and used it to download confidential technical documents. Apple also alleges Liu shared Apple’s confidential information with other Apple employees applying for jobs at OpenAI and advised at least one candidate on what to study before an interview.

Apple further claims its investigation found OpenAI and partners allegedly used Apple confidential information during development related to OpenAI’s hardware ambitions, including an example involving a proprietary metal finishing technique that the filing says was used after misrepresentations to a partner about Apple’s permission.

Apple says it sent a letter to OpenAI in February raising concerns and received no response. OpenAI was asked for comment.