Judge orders OpenAI to turn over hiring records in Apple trade secrets case
Apple will get expedited access to interview materials for former employees who applied to OpenAI's hardware and robotics groups.
Policy#08
5 days
Time OpenAI has to hand over collected materials
Image: TechCrunch
5 daysTime OpenAI has to hand over collected materials
The short version
- A U.S. District Judge, Edward Davila, ruled that Apple can expedite access to OpenAI's hiring materials in its trade secrets lawsuit.
- The materials include interview checklists, guides, scripts, and records showing interviews referenced Apple technology or components.
- OpenAI has five days to turn over materials it already collected and 14 days for other related materials.
- The judge also approved depositions for OpenAI employees Chang Liu, Alyssa Peng, and chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan, who are former Apple employees.
- The judge denied Apple's requests for access to OpenAI's broader research and development, but the denial is not final and Apple may narrow its requests and try again.
Why it matters
The case concerns how OpenAI recruits engineers while it develops a consumer hardware device that could compete with the iPhone. For developers, it shows how trade secret disputes over talent moves can shape AI companies' hardware plans.
“Apple also said that former Apple employees at OpenAI coached others considering leaving Apple for OpenAI on what information to bring to their interviews”