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Apple's Trade Secret Case Against OpenAI Heats Up as Judge Grants Access to Recruitment Files

Apple's Trade Secret Case Against OpenAI Heats Up as Judge Grants Access to Recruitment Files

A federal judge has ordered OpenAI to quickly turn over recruitment-related materials in Apple's trade secret lawsuit, marking a significant development in the high-stakes legal battle between the two tech giants.

The court's ruling

U.S. District Judge Edward Davila approved Apple's request to review documents concerning "OpenAI's contact with Apple employees before interviews." These applicants were seeking positions in OpenAI's consumer hardware and robotics departments—just as rumors of OpenAI's first hardware device were beginning to swirl. The materials could 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, with the remaining documents due within 14 days. Judge Davila also 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 of whom previously worked at Apple.

Allegations of espionage

Apple's complaint paints a detailed picture: former Apple employees allegedly downloaded confidential information using company laptops, including unpublished technical specifications, engineering demonstrations, and exclusive project data. Even more damning, some former Apple employees now at OpenAI are accused of "coaching" potential leavers on what information to bring to interviews.

The backdrop? OpenAI is developing consumer hardware that could compete with the iPhone—a prospect that clearly has Apple on edge.

Not all requests granted

Apple didn't get everything it wanted. The judge denied expedited discovery for specific research materials related to metal surface treatment and power management, as well as broader hardware research materials and output from "former Apple employees after joining." However, Davila left the door open: Apple can narrow its scope and reapply. The battle over trade secrets is far from over.

Key Points

  • Court order: Judge Edward Davila approved Apple's request for recruitment materials from OpenAI, with a 5-day deadline for organized documents and 14 days for the rest.
  • Depositions and chats: Apple can access LINE chat records and depose three former Apple employees now at OpenAI.
  • Allegations: Apple claims former employees stole confidential data and coached others on what to bring to interviews.
  • Partial denial: Some of Apple's requests for research materials were denied, but Apple can reapply with a narrower scope.