Apple has filed a reply supporting its motion for expedited discovery in a trade secret misappropriation lawsuit against former employees, OpenAI, and io Products. Earlier this month, Apple requested early document production, forensic imaging, and depositions within 30 to 50 days, arguing it needs to uncover dissipating facts to determine the full scope of alleged misappropriation. Apple contends the harm is ongoing, as OpenAI embeds knowledge of stolen information into hardware development daily.

OpenAI opposed the motion, calling requests overbroad, burdensome, and aimed at gaining an improper peek at competitive product plans. They argued Apple failed to show good cause and that regular discovery would overlap.

In its new filing, Apple asserts it established good cause and that the request isn't moot even with overlap. Apple argues defendants will otherwise object and delay with boilerplate responses. The company also narrowed document requests to August 1, 2023, and later—approximately six months before a former employee, Mr. Tan, left Apple—addressing OpenAI's objection about missing timeframe limits.