Judge orders OpenAI to hand over hiring records in Apple trade secrets lawsuit

A federal judge has ordered OpenAI to hand over hiring documents and private messages related to former Apple employees, marking a significant development in the trade secrets lawsuit filed by Apple last July. This ruling allows Apple to examine how OpenAI recruited and interviewed staff who previously worked on iPhone and robotics projects.

In plain English

The core issue involves whether OpenAI improperly used confidential information from its former employer. Apple claims that several employees took proprietary data with them when they joined the AI company. The court’s recent decision focuses on gathering evidence to determine if trade secrets were actually disclosed during the hiring process or through internal communications.

The background

Apple filed the lawsuit in July, alleging a pattern of theft involving former employees who applied for roles in OpenAI’s consumer hardware and robotics groups. According to TechCrunch, Apple accused these individuals of using company laptops to download confidential files, including technical specifications and engineering presentations for unannounced products. Apple also alleged that former employees coached others on what information to bring to interviews.

OpenAI has defended itself by arguing that Apple has not identified specific trade secrets, only broad categories of hardware information. According to The Next Web, OpenAI contends that Apple’s own policies, such as encouraging staff to use personal iCloud accounts for work, contributed to the data exposure. OpenAI also cited an authentication error that left one former employee with access after leaving.

What changes now

U.S. District Judge Edward Davila granted Apple partial victory on its request for expedited discovery. According to TechCrunch, OpenAI has five days to turn over already collected materials and fourteen days for other related documents. These materials include interview checklists, guides, scripts, and records showing if discussions referenced Apple technology. The judge also approved depositions for OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng, as well as chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan.

However, the judge denied Apple’s request to expedite access to research and development documents regarding metal finishes, power management, and battery function. According to The Next Web, these items will remain in ordinary discovery. The court also noted that Apple’s category of “Apple Originated Information” was amorphous. The Next Web reported that the hearing included OpenAI’s motion to dismiss the case entirely, which the court is considering alongside Apple’s request to stop further use of confidential information.

Key terms explained

Discovery is the legal process where opposing parties exchange evidence before trial. Expedited discovery speeds up this process for urgent matters. Trade secrets are confidential business information, like designs or code, that provide a competitive advantage. In these cases, courts look for proof that specific, protected data was taken and used improperly, rather than general industry knowledge. Teams usually review access logs and communication records to trace data movement during such disputes.

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple

• Review your organization's exit procedures to ensure former employees immediately lose access to all internal systems and cloud storage accounts.
• Audit interview practices to ensure recruiters and hiring managers do not ask candidates for proprietary information from previous employers.
• Implement strict data loss prevention tools that monitor and block the unauthorized transfer of sensitive files to personal devices or external accounts.
• Train staff on the legal and security risks of using personal cloud accounts for work-related data storage and collaboration.

General security guidance from the Vector Update newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What specific documents did the judge order OpenAI to release?

The judge ordered OpenAI to release interview materials such as checklists, scripts, and guides, as well as private LINE messages between key individuals named in the case.

Did the judge approve Apple's request for all expedited documents?

No, the judge denied Apple's request to expedite access to research and development documents concerning metal finishes, power management, and battery function.

Who are the main individuals involved in the depositions?

The court approved depositions for OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng, along with OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, Tang Yew Tan, all of whom are former Apple employees.