Apple Wins Fast Access to OpenAI Hiring Records in Trade Secrets Case
Judge Edward Davila orders OpenAI to quickly give Apple hiring records and LINE messages in its trade secrets case over former Apple staff and hardware.
Summary
On October 13, 2026, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila granted Apple expedited access to parts of OpenAI’s hiring record in the trade secrets lawsuit Apple filed in July. OpenAI has five days to produce collected materials and 14 days for other responsive documents concerning former Apple employees who interviewed for its consumer hardware and robotics groups before the rumored launch of its first hardware device. Discoverable records include interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals, scripts, technical presentations and references to Apple technology or components.
Davila also authorized access to relevant private LINE messages involving named individuals, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng. Apple may depose Liu, Peng and OpenAI chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan, all former Apple employees. Apple alleges a pattern of theft in which former staff used Apple laptops to download confidential files covering unannounced technologies, features, products, technical specifications, engineering presentations and proprietary project data. It also claims OpenAI employees coached prospective recruits on what Apple information to bring into interviews.
Davila denied expedited access to OpenAI research involving metal finishes and power management, broader hardware research and information about work former Apple employees created at OpenAI. The denial is not final, allowing Apple to narrow and renew its requests. The dispute intensifies scrutiny of OpenAI’s rumored device, which could challenge the iPhone and smartphones generally if it becomes central to consumers’ use of software and services.
Positives
- OpenAI must produce already collected hiring materials within five days and other responsive records within 14 days.
- Apple can inspect interview materials that may show whether discussions referenced its technology or components.
- Chang Liu, Alyssa Peng and Tang Yew Tan can be deposed about hiring practices and disputed information.
- Davila allowed Apple to narrow and renew discovery requests that were initially denied.
Risks & concerns
- Apple alleges former employees downloaded confidential files about unannounced technologies, products and proprietary engineering projects.
- Former Apple employees at OpenAI allegedly coached prospective recruits on what information to bring into interviews.
- Davila denied expedited access to OpenAI research on metal finishes, power management and broader hardware development.
- OpenAI’s rumored first device is advancing under legal scrutiny over whether Apple trade secrets influenced its development.