A federal judge has ordered that Apple will receive expedited access to OpenAI's hiring records in the trade secrets lawsuit filed by the iPhone maker against OpenAI last July.
Specifically, the court approved Apple's request to review documents related to OpenAI interviews with former Apple employees seeking positions in the company's consumer hardware and robotics divisions, which are reportedly in preparation for the launch of OpenAI's first hardware product.
The requested documents may consist of interview checklists, guides, manuals, and scripts, in addition to technical presentations and records indicating whether interview discussions referenced Apple technology or specific components.
To facilitate the review, the court granted OpenAI five days to submit materials already in its possession and 14 days for any additional documents, following Apple's argument that the records must be expedited.
This legal battle unfolds as OpenAI develops a consumer hardware device that could eventually compete with the iPhone or general smartphones, potentially becoming a pivotal part of how users interact with software and services.
In the lawsuit, Apple accused OpenAI of a pattern of theft, alleging that former employees used Apple laptops to download confidential files containing details on unannounced technologies, features, and products, including technical specifications and proprietary project data.
Apple further alleged that former Apple employees at OpenAI coached potential defectors on what information to bring to their interviews.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila did not approve all of Apple's requests for expedited access to documents and messages. However, he permitted Apple to access the interview materials as well as private LINE messages between case participants, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng.
The judge also authorized depositions for Liu and Peng, along with OpenAI's chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan, all of whom are former Apple employees.
Conversely, the judge denied Apple's request to expedite access to OpenAI's research and development in specific areas such as metal finishes and power management, as well as broader discovery requests concerning OpenAI's hardware research and the creations of former employees.
This denial is not final, as the judge left the door open for Apple to refine its requests and submit them again.
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