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Court Lets Apple Dig Into OpenAI's Hiring Playbook

Court Lets Apple Dig Into OpenAI's Hiring Playbook

A federal judge has handed Apple a partial victory in its trade secrets battle with OpenAI, allowing the iPhone maker to quickly obtain recruitment-related documents from its AI rival. The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Edward Davila, focuses on OpenAI's contacts with Apple employees before interviews—specifically those applying for roles in OpenAI's consumer hardware and robotics divisions.

What Apple Gets to See

Apple's request centers on materials that could show whether OpenAI coached potential hires on what information to bring from their previous employer. The approved documents include interview lists, guidelines, scripts, technical demonstrations, and any records confirming that Apple technology or components were mentioned during interviews. OpenAI must hand over organized materials within five days and complete the remaining related materials within fourteen days.

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 three previously worked at Apple.

The Espionage Allegations

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detailed picture: former Apple employees allegedly downloaded confidential information using company laptops, including unpublished technical specifications, engineering demonstrations, and exclusive project data.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 troubling, Apple claims some former employees who joined OpenAI "taught" potential leavers what information to bring during interviews. The backdrop is OpenAI's rumored development of consumer hardware that could compete with the iPhone—a prospect that clearly has Apple on edge.

What the Judge Denied

The ruling wasn't a blank check. Davila denied Apple's request for expedited discovery of 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, the judge left an opening: Apple can narrow the scope and reapply. This fight over trade secrets is far from over.

Key Points

  • Partial win for Apple: Court approves access to recruitment documents and private chats, but denies broader hardware research requests.
  • Five-day deadline: OpenAI must produce organized recruitment materials within five days, with remaining documents due in fourteen days.
  • Depositions ordered: Former Apple employees Liu Chang, Peng Ailisa, and hardware chief Deng Yaotan must sit for out-of-court depositions.
  • Espionage claims: Apple alleges former employees downloaded confidential specs and coached leavers on what to bring to interviews.
  • Ongoing battle: Judge allows Apple to narrow its scope and reapply for denied requests, signaling more legal wrangling ahead.