Federal judge grants Apple expedited access to OpenAI hiring records in trade secrets case

A federal judge granted Apple expedited access to OpenAI’s hiring records related to former Apple employees who joined OpenAI’s consumer hardware and robotics teams. The materials include interview checklists, guides, scripts, technical presentations, and any references to Apple technology or components discussed during those interviews. OpenAI must produce already-collected documents within five days and any additional relevant materials within 14 days.

The judge also approved Apple’s request to access private LINE messages between individuals named in the case, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng, and approved depositions for Liu, Peng, and OpenAI’s chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan—all former Apple employees.

Apple’s lawsuit alleges a pattern of theft involving former Apple employees using Apple laptops to download confidential material, including technical specifications, engineering presentations, and proprietary project data. Apple further alleges that OpenAI employees coached prospective hires on what information to bring to interviews.

The judge denied Apple’s requests to expedite access to OpenAI’s research and development in specific areas such as metal finishes and power management. The judge also denied several broader discovery requests, including access to OpenAI’s hardware research and details about what former Apple employees created while working at OpenAI. However, the judge left the door open for Apple to narrow its requests and refile.

The case centers on Apple’s allegations that OpenAI is misappropriating trade secrets as it develops a consumer hardware device that could rival smartphones. The litigation reflects growing tensions between major technology companies at the intersection of AI and hardware innovation.