Judge orders OpenAI to turn over hiring records in Apple trade secrets case
A federal judge ruled that Apple can access OpenAI's interview materials involving former Apple employees, as well as private messages and testimony from key figures in the case.
Key points
- Judge orders OpenAI to give Apple expedited access to hiring records in trade secrets case
- Apple sued OpenAI in July, alleging theft of confidential information by former employees
- OpenAI must turn over collected materials in five days and other materials in 14 days
A judge has ruled that Apple will gain expedited access to OpenAI's hiring materials in a trade secrets lawsuit Apple filed against OpenAI in July. The court will allow Apple to view documents related to OpenAI's interviews with former Apple employees who applied for roles in its consumer hardware and robotics groups ahead of the rumored launch of OpenAI's first hardware device.
The documents could include interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals, scripts, technical presentations, and records showing that interview discussions referenced Apple technology or components. OpenAI was given five days to turn over materials it has already collected and 14 days for any other materials related to the request.
What Apple alleged
In its lawsuit, Apple accused OpenAI of a pattern of theft. Apple said former employees used Apple laptops to download confidential material and files containing information about unannounced technologies, features, and products, including technical specifications, engineering presentations, and proprietary project data.
Apple also said that former Apple employees at OpenAI coached others considering leaving Apple for OpenAI on what information to bring to their interviews, among other allegations.
Apple accused OpenAI of a pattern of theft
— Apple
What the judge allowed
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila did not grant all of Apple's requests for expedited access to OpenAI documents and messages. He ruled that Apple could access the interview materials, along with private LINE messages between individuals named in the case, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng.
The judge also approved depositions for Liu and Peng, along with OpenAI's chief hardware officer, Tang Yew Tan. All three are former Apple employees. However, the judge denied Apple's request to expedite access to OpenAI's research and development in specific areas like metal finishes and power management, and denied several broader discovery requests. The denial is not final, and the judge left the door open for Apple to narrow its requests and try again.
