Judge orders OpenAI to share hiring records in Apple trade secrets case

A U.S. District Judge has ruled that Apple will gain expedited access to OpenAI’s hiring records in a trade secrets lawsuit filed in July. The court approved Apple’s request to review documents related to interviews with former Apple employees who applied for roles in its consumer hardware and robotics groups. These materials may include interview guides, technical presentations, and records showing discussions about Apple technology. OpenAI has five days to provide materials it already has and 14 days for additional documents. The case centers on allegations that OpenAI stole confidential Apple information through former employees. The judge allowed access to private LINE messages and depositions of three former Apple employees now at OpenAI. However, Apple’s broader requests for research and development data were denied, though the judge left the door open for further requests. The lawsuit claims OpenAI employees used Apple laptops to download confidential data and coached others on what to share during interviews. While the judge approved access to interview materials, he rejected requests for specific R&D data like metal finishes and power management. The case highlights growing tensions between Apple and OpenAI as the latter develops a potential consumer hardware device that could compete with smartphones.