A U.S. judge has ordered OpenAI to hand over hiring records related to Apple's trade secrets case, allowing the iPhone maker to review materials from interviews with former Apple employees.
The court granted Apple expedited access to documents tied to OpenAI's interviews with former Apple employees who applied for roles in its consumer hardware and robotics groups.
These materials could include interview checklists, guides, manuals, and scripts, as well as technical presentations and records showing discussions about Apple technology.
The court gave OpenAI five days to provide materials it already has and 14 days for any additional documents related to the request.
Judge Edward Davila agreed with Apple that these documents should be reviewed quickly, but he did not approve all of Apple’s requests for expedited access to OpenAI’s communications and research.
The judge approved access to private LINE messages between individuals named in the case, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng.
The judge also allowed depositions for Liu, Peng, and OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, Tang Yew Tan. All three are former Apple employees.
However, the judge denied Apple’s request to expedite access to OpenAI’s research and development in specific areas like metal finishes and power management.
He also denied several broader discovery requests, including access to OpenAI’s hardware research or information about what former employees created while working at the company.
"Apple accused OpenAI of a pattern of theft, including direct complaints about former employees using Apple laptops to download confidential material," said Apple’s legal team. The lawsuit alleges that former Apple employees at OpenAI coached others considering leaving Apple on what information to bring to their interviews, among other claims.
The case comes as OpenAI develops a consumer hardware device that could one day rival the iPhone or smartphones more generally. The judge left the door open for Apple to narrow its requests and try again. Apple’s legal team said it would continue to push for access to more information.
Source: techcrunch
