Apple has asked a US federal judge for an immediate order to stop OpenAI from using allegedly stolen trade secrets, in the latest development in the iPhone maker’s July lawsuit.

The court order being sought by Apple would also require OpenAI to return allegedly confidential information to Apple and to cease efforts to acquire other proprietary details.

It would remain in place while the legal case progresses, to prevent what Apple described as immediate and irreparable harm.

Image credit: Apple

If Apple’s allegedly stolen information were used in OpenAI products and spread through the company, “the damage cannot be undone”, Apple’s legal representation said in a court filing on Tuesday.