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Apple vs. OpenAI: Court Orders Recruitment Records in Trade Secrets Fight

Apple vs. OpenAI: Court Orders Recruitment Records in Trade Secrets Fight

A federal judge has ordered OpenAI to turn over recruitment materials in Apple's ongoing trade secrets lawsuit. The ruling, issued by Judge Edward Davila, requires OpenAI to produce documents related to its contact with Apple employees before interviews—specifically those targeting positions in OpenAI's consumer hardware and robotics divisions. This comes just as rumors swirl about OpenAI's first hardware device.

What exactly did the court approve?

Apple can now access interview lists, guidelines, scripts, technical demonstrations, and any records showing that "Apple technology or components were mentioned during interviews." The judge also approved Apple's request to review private LINE chat records involving OpenAI employees Liu Chang and Peng Ailisa, and ordered out-of-court depositions for them and hardware chief Deng Yaotan—all three previously worked at Apple.

OpenAI has 5 days to provide the organized materials and 14 days for the rest.

The espionage allegations

Apple's complaint paints a detailed picture: former Apple employees allegedly downloaded confidential information using company laptops—unpublished technical specs, engineering demos, exclusive project data. Even more, those who joined OpenAI are accused of "teaching" potential leavers what information to bring during interviews.

Why does this matter? OpenAI is developing consumer hardware that could compete with the iPhone. That's the root of Apple's concern.

Not everything went Apple's way

Judge Davila denied Apple's request for expedited discovery of specific research materials like metal surface treatment and power management. Broader hardware research materials and output from "former Apple employees after joining" were also rejected.

But Davila left an opening: Apple can narrow the scope and reapply. This battle over trade secrets is clearly far from over.

Key Points

  • Court orders OpenAI to hand over recruitment materials, including interview lists and scripts.
  • Apple can access LINE chats and depose three former Apple employees now at OpenAI.
  • Allegations include downloading confidential specs and coaching leavers on what to bring.
  • Judge denied some requests but allows Apple to reapply with a narrower scope.
  • The case centers on OpenAI's hardware ambitions, which could rival the iPhone.