Apple Accuses Ex-Engineer of Stealing Vision Pro Secrets
Former Employee Allegedly Downloaded Sensitive Data Before Joining Snap
In a recent lawsuit, **Apple** alleges that a former engineer, **Di Liu**, pilfered a vast amount of confidential information before departing to work for rival company **Snap**. This incident raises significant concerns regarding the protection of intellectual property within the rapidly expanding augmented reality market.
The complaint, submitted to the Santa Clara County Superior Court on June 24th, claims **Liu** resigned under the pretense of family and health issues. However, just three days prior to his departure, he reportedly used his credentials to acquire thousands of documents from **Apple’s** systems. These documents reportedly contained details about the **Apple** Vision Pro.
Apple is suing a former Vision Pro engineer for allegedly stealing trade secrets and taking them to Snap. The lawsuit alleges the engineer downloaded thousands of documents before leaving Apple to work at Snap.https://t.co/q56iP8t8rC
— AppleInsider (@appleinsider) June 25, 2024
According to the filing, the documents covered critical aspects such as product design, quality control, cost structures, and supply-chain strategies. The files were apparently uploaded into his personal cloud storage. **Snap**, which sells Spectacles wearables, stated it is reviewing the allegations and does not believe the matter relates to the individual’s actions at **Snap**.
“Engineers with inside knowledge are vital to Apple’s AR push, and any leak could narrow its competitive edge in a fast-evolving market.”
—Source
Data breaches and intellectual property theft cost businesses billions annually; this year, losses are projected to hit $5.2 trillion (Statista).
Company Responses and Previous Legal Battles
This lawsuit is another in a line of trade-secret cases for **Apple**. Past suits include cases against a designer suspected of leaking to a journalist in 2021 and against chip startup Rivos in 2022. In 2023, federal authorities also charged a software engineer for allegedly stealing thousands of confidential files.
**Apple** shares increased 1.10% on the news, indicating investors’ focus on safeguarding intellectual property. The case further highlights the legal risks companies face when employees change employers.
