‘LOL, I found out I can access…’: Apple points to former employer’s message in lawsuit against OpenAI

Apple Lawsuit Claims ‘LOL I Found Out I Can Access’ Trade Secrets from Former Employee

LOL I found out I can access – Apple has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the AI company stole confidential trade secrets through the actions of a former Apple engineer. The case, which centers around the phrase “LOL I found out I can access,” highlights how internal data breaches may have occurred as OpenAI recruited talent from the tech giant. According to Bloomberg, the lawsuit claims that ex-Apple staff, including those who joined OpenAI’s hardware team, retained access to sensitive information even after leaving the company, enabling the startup to advance its own product development.

The “LOL I Found Out I Can Access” Message as a Key Evidence

At the heart of the legal dispute is a seemingly casual message from Chang Liu, a former Apple engineer who allegedly shared confidential details with a former colleague.

“LOL, I found out I can access the [network storage], so funny,”

Liu reportedly wrote to Alyssa Peng, signaling that the breach had become a source of amusement rather than a serious security concern. This message, now central to the lawsuit, suggests that the leak of Apple’s internal data may have been intentional and coordinated, with Liu’s colleagues also contributing to the dissemination of proprietary information.

The legal documents reveal that Liu did not immediately report the breach but instead shared the discovery with Peng, who later became a key figure in the allegations. This collaboration is said to have occurred despite Apple’s policies on data confidentiality, which require employees to safeguard information. The lawsuit argues that Liu’s actions were not isolated but part of a larger pattern of unauthorized access, exacerbated by a software flaw that allowed him to retrieve files even after his employment ended.

OpenAI’s Recruitment Strategy Under Fire

Tang Yew Tan, a former Apple executive now leading OpenAI’s hardware division, is also implicated in the lawsuit. After leaving Apple in late 2023, Tan joined forces with Sam Altman and others to launch io Products, which OpenAI acquired for $6.5 billion. The complaint claims that Tan systematically questioned prospective hires about Apple’s unreleased projects during interviews, encouraging them to reveal details about the company’s internal processes.

“Then, in the interview, Tan solicited more information about that same Apple project. This has become an established pattern,”

the filing states, suggesting a calculated approach to extract sensitive data.

Apple’s legal team alleges that OpenAI’s recruitment tactics created an environment where former employees felt comfortable sharing confidential information with the new firm. The lawsuit further accuses OpenAI of leveraging external partners to accelerate its product development, with Liu and Peng being among the first to transfer Apple’s proprietary knowledge. This has raised concerns about how the company safeguards its intellectual property, particularly in light of the “LOL I found out I can access” incident that exposed vulnerabilities in its data security protocols.

Broader Implications for OpenAI and Apple’s Partnership

The lawsuit has intensified scrutiny over Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI, which began in 2024 when the two companies integrated ChatGPT into Apple’s ecosystem. While the partnership aimed to enhance user experience through AI, it has now become a battleground for intellectual property disputes. Apple argues that OpenAI’s acquisition of io Products and its close ties to former Apple employees created an unfair advantage, allowing the company to develop competing technologies without proper authorization.

OpenAI has responded to the allegations, stating that it is committed to innovation and has no intention of stealing trade secrets.

“We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere,”

a spokesperson said in a statement. However, Apple’s legal action underscores the growing tensions between the two firms, with the “LOL I found out I can access” message serving as a pivotal example of how confidential data might have been compromised through internal leaks and strategic recruitment.

As the lawsuit unfolds, it could set a precedent for how companies protect their intellectual property in an era of rapid technological advancement. The case also highlights the role of former employees in transferring sensitive information, with the “LOL I found out I can access” incident becoming a symbol of how casual communication can lead to serious legal consequences. Apple’s claims emphasize the importance of data confidentiality, particularly in the context of AI development, where access to proprietary information can significantly influence product success.

With the lawsuit now in full motion, the tech industry is watching closely to see how the legal battle between Apple and OpenAI plays out. The focus keyword, “LOL I found out I can access,” has been strategically woven into the narrative to underscore the breach’s significance. As more details emerge, the case may reshape how companies approach data security and employee onboarding, ensuring that future transitions between firms do not risk the leakage of critical trade secrets.