Home / Technology / Apple vs. OpenAI: Judge Rules on Trade Secret Access
Apple vs. OpenAI: Judge Rules on Trade Secret Access
14 Oct
Summary
- Apple gains expedited access to OpenAI's hiring materials.
- The lawsuit concerns former Apple employees joining OpenAI.
- The judge denied some broader discovery requests from Apple.
A judge has granted Apple expedited access to specific hiring materials from OpenAI as part of a trade secrets lawsuit initiated in July. The court's decision permits Apple to review documents from interviews of former Apple employees hired by OpenAI for its consumer hardware and robotics divisions.
These documents may include interview guides, checklists, and records indicating discussions about Apple technology. OpenAI has been given five to fourteen days to provide the collected materials, aligning with Apple's plea for an accelerated process.
The lawsuit stems from Apple's accusation that OpenAI has engaged in a pattern of theft, including former employees downloading confidential Apple information. Apple claims ex-employees coached others on what proprietary data to bring to OpenAI interviews.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila approved access to interview materials and private LINE messages involving former Apple employees now at OpenAI. Depositions for key individuals, including OpenAI's chief hardware officer, were also approved.
However, Apple's requests for expedited access to OpenAI's research in specific areas like power management and metal finishes were denied. The judge also rejected broader discovery requests concerning OpenAI's hardware research.
