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Apple CEO John Ternus (left) and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. / Reuters, Yonhap

A legal dispute is escalating between OpenAI and Apple after OpenAI—sued for allegedly leaking Apple's trade secrets—countered with allegations that a former OpenAI employee now at Apple transferred over 100 files related to unreleased products to a personal account and delivered a presentation to Apple executives.

According to Reuters and Business Insider, OpenAI stated in a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on the 14th local time that the presentation containing information on its undisclosed device took place several months ago, citing HomeView—Apple's recently launched proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) product—as evidence.

In the complaint, OpenAI stated, "We are deeply concerned that our trade secrets and confidential information were leaked inside Apple, enabling Apple engineers to utilize OpenAI's confidential and innovative research findings in future product development."

OpenAI explained that the files contained top-secret engineering and manufacturing data for devices, supplier details and project files, exterior finish standards, and reports on coatings and sealings for hardware components.

Apple pushed back in a statement, asserting that it maintains policies and procedures preventing new hires from using confidential information acquired from previous employers, and said it found no evidence supporting OpenAI's claims.

Apple further pointed out that the allegations are an attempt to divert attention from claims that former Apple employees who moved to OpenAI misappropriated Apple's trade secrets and funneled them into OpenAI's hardware business division.

Apple previously filed a lawsuit in July alleging that OpenAI engaged in coordinated, institutional misconduct to siphon off its trade secrets.

OpenAI denied the accusations and criticized Apple in an August blog post, remarking that "reckless, aggressive, and curiously personal objections are, unfortunately, beneath its reputation," while taking aim at Apple's struggles amid the fierce competition for AI talent.

The case is widely expected to go to trial in October of next year. In its court filing, OpenAI stated that it could be ready to proceed with a trial as early as June of next year.

                                                                                                             Kim Hyun-min