Judge orders OpenAI to turn over hiring records in Apple trade secrets case

A judge ruled that Apple will gain expedited access to OpenAI’s hiring materials in the trade secrets lawsuit Apple filed in July. Specifically, the court allowed Apple to view documents related to OpenAI’s interviews with former Apple employees who applied for roles in its consumer hardware and robotics groups ahead of a rumored hardware launch. These documents may include interview checklists, guides, technical presentations, and records referencing Apple technology. OpenAI was given five days to turn over already-collected materials and 14 days for others. Apple accused OpenAI of theft, including former employees downloading confidential files and coaching others on what to bring to interviews. U.S. District Judge Edward Davila permitted access to interview materials and private LINE messages between named individuals, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng, and approved depositions for them and Tang Yew Tan, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer. However, the judge denied expedited access to R&D in specific areas like metal finishes and power management, as well as broader discovery requests, but allowed Apple to narrow and refile those requests.

(Source：TechCrunch)