Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, the company behind the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, accusing it of stealing hardware designs and manufacturing blueprints. The legal action also targets former Apple employees who now work for OpenAI. Apple sent legal notices to approximately 40 former employees, instructing them to preserve documents related to the case. The dispute stems from a previous partnership between the two tech giants. Apple and OpenAI had collaborated on certain projects, but the relationship soured after Apple alleged that proprietary information was taken without permission. According to the lawsuit, OpenAI used Apple's confidential hardware designs to develop its own products. OpenAI has denied the allegations, stating that there is no evidence to support Apple's claims. The company says it respects intellectual property rights and will defend itself in court. The case highlights the intense competition in the technology industry, where companies often guard their innovations closely. Apple is known for its strict security measures and has previously taken legal action to protect its trade secrets. Legal experts say the outcome could have implications for how tech companies handle employee transitions and intellectual property. The lawsuit is ongoing, and both sides are expected to present evidence in court.