A federal judge has ordered OpenAI to give Apple interview materials concerning Apple employees who sought jobs in its consumer hardware and robotics groups. TechCrunch reported the ruling on October 13. The decision gives Apple evidence to examine how OpenAI recruited its staff as the companies compete over consumer hardware talent.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila’s order accelerates part of the evidence exchange in Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit. Apple’s accusations of theft remain allegations. The ruling decides which evidence Apple can obtain on an expedited schedule.
What Apple gets
The required records include interview guides and scripts, technical presentations and documents recording interview discussions or references to Apple technology or parts. Defendants have five days to respond with materials already collected for the litigation and 14 days for the remaining permitted requests.
The order also covers LINE conversations between Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng since January 1, 2026. Apple can take depositions of Liu, Peng and OpenAI hardware chief Tang Yew Tan. TechCrunch identifies all three as former Apple employees.
Apple alleges that former staff used confidential information to help OpenAI develop hardware and coached prospective recruits. The defendants opposed Apple’s requests as too broad.
Hardware research faces a separate process
Davila denied expedited access to research on metal finishes, power management and battery functionality, leaving those requests for ordinary discovery. He deferred requests using Apple’s broad definition of “Apple Originated Information” and gave Apple five days to propose a narrower definition after conferring with the defendants.
Sources
- TechCrunch: Judge orders OpenAI to turn over hiring records in Apple trade secrets case
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of California: Order granting limited expedited discovery, October 13, 2026. Lead image is the first page of the court’s order, courtesy of the court, hosted by CourtListener.
