A federal judge has expanded Apple's early discovery in its trade-secret lawsuit against OpenAI, ordering the ChatGPT maker to turn over detailed information about two former Apple engineers — Chang Liu and Tang Tan — now employed by OpenAI. Judge Edward Davila granted the requests after Apple narrowed its scope from all ex-Apple staff to only those hired by OpenAI.
OpenAI must now disclose the devices, accounts, and messaging apps Liu and Tan used to store confidential Apple data, their use of AI tools for personal and company work, and any destruction of Apple information. The order also covers testimony on Apple battery technology and metal-finishing data, steps OpenAI took to prevent misuse, and records of recruitment interviews with Apple employees.
Judge Davila denied several broader requests, including OpenAI's internal investigations and certain device/account details, but indicated those may become available during ordinary merits discovery once trial begins. OpenAI appears to have dropped its claim that it never used Apple confidential information, while continuing to delay proceedings.
The case centers on alleged theft of trade secrets related to Apple's hardware development, with Apple arguing that delays cause material harm as OpenAI prepares its own AI hardware.
Source: AppleInsider · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing