Judge Grants Apple Expedited Access to OpenAI Hiring Records

A U.S. judge ruled that Apple will get expedited access to OpenAI's hiring materials in Apple's trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, according to TechCrunch.

U.S. District Judge Edward Davila allowed Apple to view documents tied to OpenAI's interviews with former Apple employees who applied to its consumer hardware and robotics groups. The materials may include interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals, scripts and technical presentations, as well as records of interview discussions that referenced Apple technology or components.

The judge gave OpenAI five days to turn over materials it has already collected and 14 days for other materials covered by the request. Davila also allowed Apple access to private LINE messages between individuals named in the case, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng, and approved depositions for Liu, Peng and OpenAI chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan, all former Apple employees.

The judge denied Apple's request to expedite access to OpenAI's research and development in areas such as metal finishes and power management. He also denied several broader discovery requests, but left the door open for Apple to narrow its requests and try again.

In July, Apple filed a trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing it of a pattern of theft. Apple alleged that former employees used Apple laptops to download confidential material and files about unannounced technologies, features and products, including technical specifications, engineering presentations and proprietary project data. Apple also alleged that former Apple employees at OpenAI coached others considering leaving Apple for OpenAI on what information to bring to their interviews. OpenAI is developing a consumer hardware device that could potentially rival the iPhone or smartphones more generally.