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Judge Orders OpenAI to Share Hiring Files in Apple Lawsuit

The federal court order gives Apple accelerated access to OpenAI recruitment records and private messages within 14 days, as Judge Edward Davila targets risks of destroyed evidence in an expanding hardware trade secrets dispute.

Judge orders OpenAI hiring records handover in an escalating intellectual property feud between Silicon Valley heavyweights over consumer hardware secrets.

Consequently, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila granted Apple partial expedited discovery on Tuesday. Indeed, the judge ordered OpenAI to produce candidate interview records and internal files. Specifically, the directive addresses allegations of stolen hardware trade secrets by former staff. In fact, OpenAI must deliver the first batch of documents within five days.

Court Mandates Fast Release of OpenAI Hiring Files

Additionally, the ruling forces OpenAI to disclose key recruitment materials from its hardware division. As a result, Apple will inspect interview checklists, guides, manuals, and technical scripts. Furthermore, OpenAI must submit all forensic images already collected for the case. Judge Davila ordered existing records produced within five days. Meanwhile, the court granted 14 days for any remaining interview documentation.

Essentially, this disclosure aims to reveal whether applicants referenced unreleased Apple technologies during interviews. In contrast to standard discovery schedules, expedited timelines move legal disputes much faster. For example, tech industry observers tracking modern AI and tech policy shifts note rising intellectual property friction. Therefore, Apple wants to stop proprietary data from contaminating competing products. According to reporting by TechCrunch, this ruling tightens scrutiny on tech talent poaching.

Secret Messages and Device Wiping Drive Discovery Ruling

Furthermore, Judge Davila raised alarms over potential destruction of crucial forensic evidence. Specifically, the judge highlighted private communications between ex-Apple engineers Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng. The court noted discussions regarding wiping Apple-owned electronic devices before joining OpenAI. Therefore, the judge ordered OpenAI to surrender all LINE messages between them since January 2026.

Additionally, the court approved early depositions for key personnel at OpenAI. Specifically, lawyers will question Liu, Peng, and chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan. Tan previously led critical hardware design programs at Apple before switching firms. As a result, Apple attorneys will probe their actions under oath. In fact, detailed analysis from Bloomberg Law confirmed the court wants to preserve fragile digital trails.

Judge Curtails Broader Hardware Research Demands

However, Apple did not win every concession sought in its original motion. In contrast to the recruitment materials, broader engineering files remain protected for now. Specifically, Judge Davila rejected fast-tracked discovery into OpenAI battery systems and power management. Additionally, the ruling withheld proprietary technical files regarding advanced metal finishes.

Consequently, those technical engineering categories remain restricted to normal court timelines. Judge Davila ruled that Apple used overly broad terms for Apple-originated information. Therefore, the court gave Apple five days to propose narrower disclosure boundaries. Meanwhile, coverage from AppleInsider notes that OpenAI dismissed Apple’s primary complaint as baseless posturing. Indeed, OpenAI argued that Apple launched litigation simply to hinder aggressive rival recruitment.

Ultimately, the tight production deadlines put immediate pressure on OpenAI’s hardware expansion plans. Consequently, corporate counsel must produce sensitive hiring documents and prepare witnesses for swift depositions. Therefore, this case highlights growing legal battles over top artificial intelligence engineering talent. To conclude, the forthcoming depositions will shape how Silicon Valley protects proprietary hardware designs.