Skip to main content

Apple's Legal Win: Court Orders OpenAI to Hand Over Hiring Records

Apple vs. OpenAI: Court Grants Expedited Discovery in Trade Secrets Case

A federal judge has handed Apple an early win in its legal battle against OpenAI, ruling that the iPhone maker can quickly obtain recruitment-related documents from the AI company. The decision, issued by Judge Edward Davila, marks a significant step in a case that highlights the growing competition in consumer hardware.

What the Court Approved

Judge Davila approved Apple's request to review materials related to OpenAI's contact with Apple employees before interviews—specifically those applying for roles in OpenAI's consumer hardware and robotics departments. According to the ruling, these documents may include interview lists, guidelines, scripts, technical demonstrations, and records confirming whether Apple technology or components were mentioned during interviews. OpenAI must provide the organized materials within five days and complete the remaining related materials within 14 days.

In addition, the judge granted Apple access to private LINE chat records involving OpenAI employees Liu Chang and Peng Ailisa, and ordered out-of-court depositions of the two individuals and hardware chief Deng Yaotan. All three previously worked at Apple.

The Espionage Allegations

Apple's complaint paints a detailed picture: it claims former Apple employees downloaded confidential information using company laptops, including unpublished technical specifications, engineering demonstrations, and exclusive project data. Even more striking, Apple alleges that former Apple employees who have joined OpenAI "taught" potential leavers what information to bring during interviews. This all comes as OpenAI is reportedly developing consumer hardware that could compete with the iPhone—a prospect that clearly has Apple concerned.

Not Everything Went Apple's Way

However, the judge did not fully approve all of Apple's requests. Apple's bid for expedited discovery of specific research materials—such as metal surface treatment and power management—was denied, as was its request for broader hardware research materials and output from former Apple employees after joining OpenAI. Still, Judge Davila left the door open: Apple can narrow the scope and reapply. This battle over trade secrets is clearly far from over.

Key Points

  • Court allows Apple to obtain recruitment materials from OpenAI, focusing on hiring for hardware and robotics roles.
  • OpenAI must provide documents within 5 days; remaining materials due in 14 days.
  • Judge approves access to LINE chats and orders depositions of three former Apple employees now at OpenAI.
  • Apple's broader requests for research materials were denied, but it can reapply with a narrower scope.
  • The case underscores escalating tensions as OpenAI moves into consumer hardware.