OpenAI responded on Tuesday to allegations brought by Apple in a trade secret lawsuit, suggesting the claims are without merit. "While we take these allegations seriously, we’re not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit," OpenAI stated, in remarks first shared by Bloomberg reporter Ed Ludlow on X. "We believe in fair competition and allowing people the freedom to work wherever they choose, and we’re focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere."

This statement comes several days after Apple filed a lawsuit against the AI lab, accusing former employees who once worked at the iPhone maker of orchestrating a coordinated effort to obtain confidential information and intellectual property. The 41-page complaint, submitted Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, levels a series of allegations against OpenAI's leadership, including Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan. Before joining OpenAI, Tan spent 24 years at Apple, holding senior roles such as vice president of product design for the iPhone and Apple Watch. This marks the first time OpenAI has commented directly on the case. "We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere," the company added.

In its lawsuit, Apple claims that an internal investigation uncovered evidence that OpenAI and its partners used the company's confidential information while developing their own hardware product. Reports, along with OpenAI's recent acquisition of Jony Ive's startup io, suggest the company is working on a device that could directly rival Apple's business. Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that OpenAI is developing a mobile, screen-free smart speaker.