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Apple Scores a Peek at OpenAI's Hiring Playbook in Trade Secrets Fight

Apple Gets a Glimpse Into OpenAI's Hiring Playbook

A federal judge has given Apple a partial victory in its trade secrets dispute with OpenAI, ruling that the iPhone maker can quickly obtain recruitment-related documents from its rival. The order, issued by Judge Edward Davila, requires OpenAI to hand over materials tied to its contacts with Apple employees before interviews—specifically those eyeing roles in OpenAI's consumer hardware and robotics divisions.

Why does this matter? Because those interviews happened just before rumors swirled about OpenAI's first hardware device. Apple wants to know if its former employees were coached on what confidential information to bring along. The documents could include interview lists, guidelines, scripts, technical demos, and records confirming whether Apple technology or components were mentioned during interviews.

What Apple Alleges: Chips, Blueprints, and 'Interview Coaching'

Apple's complaint doesn't mince words. The company claims former Apple employees downloaded confidential information using company laptops—unpublished technical specs, engineering demos, and exclusive project data. Even more damning: Apple alleges that former employees who jumped to OpenAI "taught" potential leavers what information to bring to interviews.

The backdrop here is OpenAI's push into consumer hardware, which could directly compete with the iPhone. That's the root of Apple's concern—and the reason this case is being watched closely across Silicon Valley.

The Judge's Ruling: A Partial Win, With Limits

Judge Davila didn't give Apple everything it wanted. He ordered OpenAI to provide the organized materials within 5 days and complete the remaining related materials within 14 days. He also approved Apple's 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 of whom previously worked at Apple.

But Apple's request for expedited discovery of specific research materials—like metal surface treatment and power management—was denied. So was its bid for broader hardware research materials and output from "former Apple employees after joining." Davila left the door open: Apple can narrow the scope and reapply. Clearly, this trade secrets battle is far from over.

Key Points

  • Judge approves limited discovery: Apple can obtain recruitment materials from OpenAI, including interview lists, guidelines, and records of whether Apple tech was mentioned.
  • Allegations of espionage: Apple claims former employees downloaded confidential specs and coached interviewees on what to bring.
  • Hardware competition at the core: OpenAI's consumer hardware ambitions could rival the iPhone, fueling Apple's concerns.
  • Some requests denied: Apple's bid for broader research materials was rejected, but it can reapply with a narrower scope.
  • Depositions ordered: Three former Apple employees now at OpenAI—Liu Chang, Peng Ailisa, and Deng Yaotan—must sit for out-of-court depositions.