Judge Orders OpenAI to Hand Over Hiring Records in Apple Trade Secrets Suit
A federal judge has ordered OpenAI to produce hiring and communication records in Apple's trade secret lawsuit.
Why it matters: Apple's case against OpenAI illustrates growing IP disputes in AI and tech. Legal counsel must track these developments to advise clients on compliance and risk management amid competitive talent acquisition.
- On Oct 13, 2026, Judge Edward Davila ordered OpenAI to provide Apple hiring records of former Apple employees applying to OpenAI's hardware and robotics teams.
- OpenAI must produce collected materials within 5 days and other records within 14 days, including interview guides, manuals, and discussions involving Apple technology.
- Apple can access private LINE messages of OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng, both former Apple staff, and conduct depositions of Liu, Peng, and OpenAI's Chief Hardware Officer, Tang Yew Tan.
- Judge denied Apple's request for expedited access to OpenAI's R&D on metal finishes and power management, allowing Apple to refine and renew its requests.
On October 13, 2026, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila issued a ruling favoring Apple in its ongoing legal battle against OpenAI. The court ordered OpenAI to produce hiring records related to former Apple employees who applied to its consumer hardware and robotics groups. This includes documents collected so far—such as interview checklists, guides, manuals, and records of discussions referencing Apple technology or components—and other materials within 14 days. OpenAI must also provide private LINE messages involving OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng, both former Apple employees.
The judge authorized depositions of Liu, Peng, and OpenAI's Chief Hardware Officer, Tang Yew Tan, all individuals who previously worked at Apple. These developments mark a significant escalation in discovery, with Apple seeking evidence around alleged recruitment practices and trade secret disclosures.
Apple originally sued OpenAI in July 2026, accusing the AI company of trade secret theft and breach of contract. Apple alleges that OpenAI's Chief Hardware Officer used confidential Apple project code names during recruiting and coached departing Apple employees on evading Apple's security protocols.
OpenAI has denied wrongdoing, asserting its hiring practices were standard industry procedures and that it has no interest in Apple's confidential information. In response to the lawsuit, OpenAI called the case "baseless and pretextual," while emphasizing a commitment to innovation without exploiting others' trade secrets.
The judge declined Apple’s request for expedited access to OpenAI’s research and development work on topics like metal finishes and power management but left open the option for Apple to narrow and renew such requests.
This ruling highlights intensified legal scrutiny at the intersection of AI innovation and intellectual property rights, underscoring critical issues for legal professionals advising AI companies and corporate clients in the tech space.
By the numbers:
- 5 days — for OpenAI to produce materials already collected
- 14 days — deadline to produce other records covered by the order
- July 2026 — when Apple filed its lawsuit against OpenAI
What's next: Apple may refine its requests for access to OpenAI's R&D records following the judge's denial of expedited discovery in those areas.