Judge orders OpenAI to produce hiring records in Apple trade secrets suit

Key points

• Judge Edward Davila granted Apple expedited access to interview materials for former Apple employees who applied to OpenAI's hardware and robotics groups.
• OpenAI has five days to turn over materials already collected and 14 days for other related materials.
• Judge also allowed depositions of Chang Liu, Alyssa Peng and chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan, and access to certain private LINE messages.
• Judge denied Apple's requests for R&D access in areas like metal finishes and power management; Apple may narrow requests and refile.

Why it matters for marketers: Legal and comms teams tracking AI hardware competition should watch this case, since its discovery rulings may shape how rivals scrutinize OpenAI's device work.