Skip to main content

Apple vs. OpenAI: Judge Orders Quick Evidence in Trade Secrets Spat

Judge Grants Apple Faster Access to Recruitment Records

A federal judge has ordered OpenAI to hand over recruitment materials to Apple within days, marking a significant development in Apple's trade secrets lawsuit against the AI company. The ruling, issued by Judge Edward Davila, allows Apple to review documents related to OpenAI's contact with Apple employees before interviews—specifically those who applied for roles in OpenAI's consumer hardware and robotics divisions.

The timing is notable: these recruitment efforts occurred just before rumors surfaced about OpenAI's first hardware device. The materials Apple seeks include interview lists, guidelines, scripts, technical demonstrations, and any records showing that Apple technology or components were mentioned during interviews.

Judge Davila set a tight schedule: OpenAI must provide organized materials within 5 days and complete the remaining related materials within 14 days. He also approved Apple's request to access 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 Target Chips and Blueprints

Apple's complaint paints a detailed picture of alleged misconduct. The company claims former Apple employees downloaded confidential information using company laptops, including unpublished technical specifications, engineering demonstrations, and exclusive project data. Even more concerning, Apple alleges that former Apple employees now at OpenAI coached potential leavers on what information to bring to interviews.

This all comes against the backdrop of OpenAI developing consumer hardware that could compete with the iPhone—a prospect that clearly worries Apple.

Some Requests Denied, But Battle Continues

Not all of Apple's requests were approved. The judge denied expedited discovery for specific research materials such as metal surface treatment and power management, as well as broader hardware research materials and output from former Apple employees after joining OpenAI.

However, Davila left the door open: Apple can narrow the scope and reapply. This trade secrets battle is far from over.

Key Points

  • Judge approves expedited discovery: Apple can quickly obtain recruitment materials from OpenAI, including interview lists and scripts.
  • Tight deadline: OpenAI must provide organized materials within 5 days and complete remaining materials within 14 days.
  • Depositions ordered: Three former Apple employees now at OpenAI must sit for out-of-court depositions.
  • Partial denial: Apple's request for specific technical research materials was denied, but Apple can reapply with a narrower scope.
  • Hardware competition at core: The case stems from OpenAI's development of consumer hardware that could rival the iPhone.