A federal judge has ordered OpenAI to expedite the production of hiring materials in the trade secrets lawsuit Apple filed against the company in July 2026. The ruling grants Apple faster access to documents tied to OpenAI's recruitment of former Apple employees for its consumer hardware and robotics groups—efforts that come as OpenAI prepares to launch its first hardware device.
What Apple Will Receive
Under the order, Apple can review materials related to OpenAI's interviews with former Apple employees who applied for roles in those divisions. These materials may include:
- Interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals, and scripts
- Technical presentations
- Records showing that interview discussions referenced Apple technology or components
The court set a five-day deadline for OpenAI to turn over materials it has already collected, and a 14-day deadline for any remaining responsive materials. The judge agreed with Apple that the documents should be expedited.
Background: The Dispute
The case centers on OpenAI's development of a consumer hardware device that could eventually compete with the iPhone—or with smartphones more broadly—should AI hardware become central to how consumers interact with software and services. Apple filed the lawsuit in July 2026, accusing OpenAI of a pattern of trade secret theft. Apple's allegations include:
- Former employees using Apple laptops to download confidential files containing information about unannounced technologies, features, and products—including technical specifications, engineering presentations, and proprietary project data
- Former Apple employees at OpenAI coaching others who were considering leaving Apple on what information to bring to their interviews
Scope of the Ruling
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila did not grant all of Apple's requests for expedited access to OpenAI documents and messages. However, he ruled that Apple may access:
- The interview materials described above
- 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, as well as for OpenAI's chief hardware officer, Tang Yew Tan. All three are former Apple employees.
What the Court Denied
Judge Davila denied Apple's request to expedite access to OpenAI's research and development in specific areas, such as metal finishes and power management. He also rejected several of Apple's broader discovery requests, including access to OpenAI's hardware research and information about what its former employees created while working at OpenAI.
That denial is not final. The judge left open the possibility for Apple to narrow its requests and refile them.
via TechCrunch