Skip to main content

Apple Wins Early Round in Trade Secret Fight with OpenAI

Judge Grants Apple Fast Access to OpenAI's Hiring Records

A federal judge has ordered OpenAI to hand over recruitment materials to Apple, marking a significant early development in Apple's lawsuit alleging theft of trade secrets. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Edward Davila, requires OpenAI to produce documents related to its communications with Apple employees before interviews—specifically those who applied for roles in OpenAI's consumer hardware and robotics divisions.

The timing is telling: these recruitment efforts occurred just before rumors surfaced about OpenAI's first hardware device. Apple's legal team believes the documents could reveal whether OpenAI encouraged candidates to bring confidential Apple information to interviews. The materials sought include interview lists, guidelines, scripts, technical demonstrations, and any records mentioning Apple technology or components.

Davila set a tight schedule: OpenAI must provide organized materials within five days and complete the remaining related documents 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 for both individuals and hardware chief Deng Yaotan—all of whom previously worked at Apple.

Allegations Center on Chips and Blueprints

Apple's complaint pulls no punches. The company claims former Apple employees downloaded confidential information using company laptops, including unpublished technical specifications, engineering demonstrations, and exclusive project data. Even more damning, Apple alleges that former Apple employees now at OpenAI "coached" potential leavers on what information to bring to interviews.

At the heart of the dispute is OpenAI's push into consumer hardware—a move that could directly challenge the iPhone. Apple's concern is clear: it believes its trade secrets are being used to accelerate a competing product.

Not All Requests Approved

Judge Davila didn't give Apple everything it wanted. The company's request for expedited discovery of specific research materials—such as metal surface treatment and power management—was denied, as was a broader demand for hardware research materials and output from former Apple employees after joining OpenAI.

But Davila left the door open: Apple can narrow the scope of its requests and reapply. That suggests this legal battle is far from over. For now, Apple has secured a valuable window into OpenAI's hiring practices—and potentially, into how OpenAI is building its hardware ambitions.

Key Points

  • Court ruling: Judge Edward Davila approved Apple's request for expedited access to OpenAI's recruitment materials.
  • Focus on hiring: Documents sought include interview lists, scripts, and records of Apple technology mentioned during interviews.
  • Tight deadline: OpenAI must provide organized materials within 5 days, remaining documents within 14 days.
  • Depositions ordered: Three former Apple employees now at OpenAI—Liu Chang, Peng Ailisa, and hardware chief Deng Yaotan—must sit for out-of-court depositions.
  • Partial denial: Apple's request for specific research materials (metal surface treatment, power management) was denied, but Apple can refile with narrower scope.