Judge Orders OpenAI to Turn Over Hiring Records in Apple Trade Secrets Case

A U.S. federal judge has ordered OpenAI to give Apple documents from interviews with former Apple employees who applied for jobs in OpenAI’s consumer hardware and robotics groups. The materials are part of a trade secrets lawsuit Apple filed against OpenAI in July.

The records may include interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals, scripts, technical presentations and documents showing whether interviews referred to Apple technology or components. OpenAI must turn over materials it has already collected within five days and provide other materials covered by the request within 14 days.

Judge Edward Davila also allowed Apple access to private LINE messages between people named in the case, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng. He approved depositions of Liu, Peng and OpenAI chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan. All three previously worked at Apple.

Apple has accused OpenAI of a pattern of theft, including allegations that former employees used Apple laptops to download confidential files and coached colleagues on what information to bring to OpenAI interviews. These are allegations in the lawsuit, not findings stated in the ruling.

Davila denied Apple’s requests for expedited access to OpenAI research on metal finishes and power management, as well as broader requests for hardware research and information about work by former Apple employees at OpenAI. He left open the possibility that Apple could narrow those requests and try again.