Judge Ordered OpenAI to Produce Hiring Records
Apple secured partial expedited discovery to investigate alleged theft of hardware trade secrets by former engineers.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Judge Edward Davila ordered OpenAI to turn over hiring records and internal communications in an active trade secrets case filed by Apple. The court granted this partial expedited discovery to determine if applicants discussed unreleased technology during their interview processes.
Why it matters
The ruling aims to preserve critical evidence and prevent the destruction of files regarding proprietary hardware development. By targeting specific communication channels, the court seeks to uncover if former Apple staff improperly shared sensitive information while transitioning to new roles.
The court ordered the production of candidate interview records, checklists, and technical scripts alongside forensic imaging of data. OpenAI must also surrender all LINE messages sent between former Apple engineers Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng since January 2026.
The players
Edward Davila
He is a United States District Judge presiding over the trade secrets litigation in Silicon Valley.
Apple
The technology corporation is the plaintiff seeking discovery regarding the alleged theft of its proprietary hardware trade secrets.
OpenAI
The artificial intelligence research organization is the defendant currently being compelled to produce employment and communication records.
Chang Liu
A former Apple engineer whose communications are currently under court-ordered review for potential evidence.
Alyssa Peng
A former Apple engineer whose LINE messaging history is subject to forensic discovery as part of the trade secrets case.
The details
The court approved early depositions for Chang Liu, Alyssa Peng, and Tang Yew Tan, while rejecting broader demands for data on battery systems and metal finishes. Apple now has a five-day window to propose narrower boundaries for the rejected categories of engineering documents.
Timeline
January 2026 marks the start date for the requested LINE message discovery.
October 13, 2026 was the date Judge Edward Davila granted the partial expedited discovery order.
October 18, 2026 is the deadline for OpenAI to deliver the first batch of documents and Apple's proposals.
October 27, 2026 is the deadline for OpenAI to provide the remaining interview documentation.
The Tech Race
This case highlights the increasingly litigious nature of talent poaching as AI and hardware firms compete for specialized engineering expertise. It reflects a broader trend of companies using aggressive discovery to protect proprietary roadmaps from migrating to aggressive market rivals.
This ruling establishes a significant precedent for how tech firms must manage internal hiring documentation and employee privacy. The outcome could force companies to implement more stringent protocols regarding the use of private messaging platforms during sensitive corporate transitions.
The takeaway
The court's decision signals that hiring processes at major tech firms remain subject to intense scrutiny when intellectual property theft is alleged. Companies may need to audit their recruitment internal controls to ensure they do not inadvertently receive protected trade secrets from new hires.
Further reading
For more context on how courts handle data in the AI sector, read our coverage on Artificial Intelligence.
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