Key facts
- A judge ordered OpenAI to share hiring records with Apple in a trade secrets lawsuit.
- Apple is suing OpenAI for allegedly stealing trade secrets related to former employees.
- The lawsuit concerns OpenAI's development of a consumer hardware device.
- OpenAI has five days to turn over already collected materials and 14 days for other requested items.
A judge has ordered OpenAI to expedite the handover of hiring materials to Apple as part of a trade secrets lawsuit filed by the iPhone maker in July. The court will allow Apple to review documents associated with OpenAI's interviews with former Apple employees who applied for roles in its consumer hardware and robotics divisions.
These documents may include interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals, scripts, technical presentations, and records indicating discussions about Apple technology or components. U.S. District Judge Edward Davila gave OpenAI five days to provide materials already collected and 14 days for any other related documents.
The lawsuit stems from Apple's accusation of a pattern of theft by OpenAI, including allegations that former Apple employees used company laptops to download confidential information about unannounced technologies and proprietary data. Apple also claims former employees coached others on what information to bring when interviewing with OpenAI.
While Judge Davila did not grant all of Apple's requests for expedited access, he approved access to interview materials and private LINE messages between OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng. Depositions for Liu, Peng, and OpenAI's chief hardware officer, Tang Yew Tan, all former Apple employees, were also approved.
However, the judge denied Apple's request for expedited access to specific research and development areas, such as metal finishes and power management, as well as broader discovery requests concerning OpenAI's hardware research. Apple may resubmit narrowed requests for these items.