Apple has intensified its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI by seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the artificial intelligence company from advancing the development of an AI device or other products that Apple alleges are based on its proprietary technology.

In a new court filing, the iPhone maker also requested expedited discovery from former Apple employees Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, now associated with OpenAI, as well as from OpenAI, its affiliated foundation, and io, the AI device startup co-founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive.

Apple said its ongoing internal investigation has identified 11 additional former employees who may have witnessed or been involved in the alleged misappropriation of trade secrets.

The company also cited OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng, who was named in its original complaint.

“For example, another former Apple employee seems to have met with Mr. Liu and Ms. Peng in advance of Ms. Peng’s interview at OpenAI and discussed with them during that meeting Apple proprietary information relating to unannounced products,” the filing states. “Yet another former Apple employee took screenshots of confidential Apple documents relating to an unannounced Apple product before an interview at OpenAI.”

“And, after Apple filed its complaint, multiple former Apple employees now working at OpenAI reached out to discuss returning Apple-issued work devices they kept when they left Apple,” Apple claims.

Apple said it is seeking expedited discovery after concluding that there is good cause to believe additional individuals may have been involved in the alleged theft of its intellectual property.

The company argued that accelerating the evidence-gathering process is warranted as its motion for a preliminary injunction, which seeks to block OpenAI from developing AI devices or other products based on the disputed technology, remains pending before the court.