A federal judge has ruled that Apple will receive expedited access to OpenAI’s hiring materials as part of a trade secrets lawsuit filed by the iPhone maker in July. The court will allow Apple to view documents related to OpenAI’s interviews with former Apple employees who sought positions within its consumer hardware and robotics groups.
These documents may include interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals, scripts, technical presentations, and records indicating discussions referenced Apple technology or components. OpenAI has five days to provide materials it has already gathered and 14 days for any other relevant documents.
The judge also approved Apple's access to private LINE messages between individuals named in the case, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng, and granted depositions for Liu, Peng, and OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, Tang Yew Tan. All three individuals are former Apple employees.
However, the judge denied Apple’s request for expedited access to OpenAI’s research and development in specific areas, such as metal finishes and power management, along with several broader discovery requests. The judge did leave open the possibility for Apple to refine and resubmit these requests.