Tesla Sues Ex-Engineer Over Alleged Optimus Robot Trade Secret Theft

Tesla Inc. has taken legal action against a former engineer who worked on its highly secretive Optimus humanoid robot program. The lawsuit, filed in a San Francisco Federal Court, alleges that the engineer, Zhongjie “Jay” Li, stole confidential information and trade secrets related to the Optimus project before leaving the company to start his own robotics firm, Proception Inc.

Li, who worked at Tesla from August 2022 to September 2024, was involved in developing advanced robotic hand sensors and had access to some of the most sensitive technical data within the Optimus program. According to the complaint, Li downloaded Optimus-related files onto two personal smartphones in the weeks leading up to his departure. Shortly after leaving Tesla, Li incorporated Proception and claimed to have developed advanced humanoid robotic hands that bear a striking resemblance to the designs he worked on at Tesla.

Tesla's lawsuit alleges that Li's actions constitute unlawful trade misappropriation and an attempt to exploit Tesla's investments, insights, and intellectual property for personal gain. The company is seeking to prevent Li and Proception from using or disclosing any of the stolen information, as well as to recover damages for the alleged theft.

The Optimus program is one of Tesla's most ambitious projects, aiming to develop humanoid robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from working in factories to handling everyday activities. The alleged theft of trade secrets related to this program could have significant implications for Tesla and the broader robotics industry.

This legal action highlights the intense competition and high stakes involved in the development of advanced robotics technology. Companies like Tesla are investing heavily in research and development to stay ahead, and the protection of intellectual property is crucial. The lawsuit underscores the challenges faced by tech giants in safeguarding their innovations and maintaining their competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.

Tesla's decision to take legal action sends a clear message about the company's commitment to protecting its intellectual property. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how companies handle similar cases in the future, emphasizing the importance of robust legal measures to safeguard trade secrets and proprietary technology.