World · North America · 2 hrs ago
Judge expands Apple’s access to evidence in lawsuit against OpenAI
A judge expanded Apple’s access to evidence in its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, two former Apple employees and io Products.
Apple accuses the defendants of improperly accessing or using confidential information to advance OpenAI’s consumer hardware work.
The lawsuit also names former Apple employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan, and Apple has sought a preliminary injunction to prevent further use of the information it says is confidential.
The new order allows Apple to seek records about Liu’s use of AI tools, the former employees’ devices and accounts, and any deletion of Apple information.
It also permits questions about OpenAI’s interviews with Apple employees and its work involving Apple information on batteries, power management and metal finishing.
The judge rejected some of Apple’s requests, including access to details about OpenAI’s own devices, accounts and internal investigations.
The case matters because it concerns whether Apple’s confidential information was used in developing consumer hardware.
The defendants have 14 days to provide records and answers under the order.
A judge expanded Apple’s access to evidence in its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, io Products and two former Apple employees.
Judge Edward Davila allowed Apple to seek additional records about the former employees’ handling of confidential information and use of AI tools.
The order also permits testimony about OpenAI’s work involving Apple information and its recruitment of Apple employees.
Davila denied some requests, including those for details about OpenAI’s devices, accounts and internal investigations.
The defendants have up to 14 days to produce the requested records and respond to Apple’s questions.
- Who
- Apple is seeking evidence from OpenAI, io Products and former Apple employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan.
- What
- A judge expanded Apple’s access to records and testimony in its trade secrets lawsuit.
- When
- The new decision was reported on October 28, 2026; the defendants have up to 14 days to respond.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Apple alleges the defendants improperly accessed or used confidential information to help advance OpenAI’s consumer hardware development efforts.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Judge Edward Davila granted some of Apple’s requests for expedited discovery.
Apple and the defendants agreed on a narrower definition of “Apple Originated Information.
Davila adopted the narrower definition with modifications and granted several previously deferred discovery requests.
- Defendants
- Chang Liu, Tang Tan, OpenAI and io Products
- Judge
- Edward Davila
- Response deadline
- Up to 14 days
- AI tools named
- ChatGPT, Claude, Codex and OpenClaw
- Topics for testimony
- Batteries, power management and metal finishing
What people are saying
too broad at this stage and better suited for merits discovery