Apple and OpenAI are now facing legal disputes from both sides. In July, Apple sued OpenAI, alleging that two former Apple employees stole proprietary information and passed it to the AI company. Now, OpenAI has filed its own lawsuit, claiming that an unidentified employee left Apple, worked at OpenAI for six months, then returned to Apple with confidential details about OpenAI’s hardware projects.

OpenAI alleges that the case is connected to Apple’s recently announced HomeView smart home hub. Earlier this year, rumours emerged that OpenAI was developing a smart speaker in partnership with Jony Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom. The company may also be working on AI powered earbuds.

According to the lawsuit, the unnamed employee took more than 100 files related to OpenAI’s hardware projects and presented them to Apple executives. The alleged incident happened months ago, although the timing may not have allowed Apple to significantly influence the HomeView’s design.

Apple says it has procedures designed to prevent new employees from using confidential information belonging to their previous employers. The company also denies that the alleged presentation took place and says there is no evidence of the stolen files on its servers.

OpenAI disputes Apple’s position. In its filing, the company expressed concern that its trade secrets and confidential information could now be circulating within Apple, potentially allowing Apple’s engineers to use its work when developing future products.

The dispute could eventually go to trial, potentially as early as June next year, although October has also been suggested as a possible date.