In today's Digest, we discuss Apple's escalation of its OpenAI trade secrets case, including its request for an injunction and expedited discovery, OpenAI's integration with AppsFlyer to bring in-app measurement to ChatGPT Ads and, Snapchat's push to attract small businesses with a more focused advertising platform 

Apple expands OpenAI data theft claims

Apple has intensified its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent the AI company from developing products or devices allegedly based on Apple’s technology. In a new court filing, Apple has requested expedited discovery involving OpenAI, its foundation, device startup io, and two former Apple employees now linked to the case. The company said its investigation has identified 11 additional former employees who may have relevant information or involvement, expanding the scope of its original claims.

The filing alleges that the potential misuse of Apple’s confidential information extends beyond the individuals initially named in the lawsuit, prompting the company to seek faster access to evidence. Apple argued that the new findings justify expedited discovery while its injunction request remains under review. OpenAI has rejected the claims, describing Apple’s request as unnecessary and based on inaccurate information, saying its focus remains on developing new products and advancing AI technology.

Grubhub & 40 brands test ChatGPT ad measurement

OpenAI has partnered with mobile attribution platform AppsFlyer to introduce in-app measurement capabilities for ChatGPT Ads, enabling advertisers to track app installs, in-app purchases and subscriptions generated by their campaigns. The integration, which has been tested over the past month by Grubhub and more than 40 brands across ecommerce, food delivery and ride-sharing, gives marketers greater insight into campaign performance.

By integrating AppsFlyer’s mobile attribution technology, OpenAI aims to provide advertisers with familiar performance metrics, addressing a key barrier to adoption among brands focused on driving app growth.

Snapchat courts small businesses for ads

Snapchat is making a direct pitch to small and medium-sized businesses, positioning its unique reach among younger audiences as a reason to allocate marketing budgets its way. In a blog post aimed at brands, Snapchat touted its platform's access to "highly engaged Gen Z and Millennial audiences through immersive ad formats." 

Snapchat's advice leaned into that narrower focus, suggesting that small businesses often perform better when they concentrate spending on a single, well-matched platform to build clearer analytics rather than spreading budgets thin. The company described its ads as a "best-fit scenario for lifestyle e-commerce, mobile applications, and consumer brands prioritising Gen Z and Millennials," adding that its global e-commerce integrations make it particularly effective for businesses managing product catalogs.