# Judge orders OpenAI to hand over hiring interview records to Apple

> A U.S. judge gave Apple expedited access to OpenAI's interview documents involving former Apple staff, as part of Apple’s trade‑secrets lawsuit.

Oossa · 2026-10-13 · https://oossa.com/en/judge-orders-openai-to-hand-over-hiring-interview-records-to-apple

A federal judge ruled that Apple can see OpenAI’s hiring materials linked to former Apple employees who interviewed for OpenAI’s consumer hardware and robotics teams. OpenAI must provide already‑collected documents within five days and any other related items within 14 days. The order also allows Apple to view private LINE messages and depose three former Apple staff now at OpenAI. Apple’s request for broader hardware research was denied, though it may try a narrower request later.

## The facts

- Judge Edward Davila issued the order on Oct 13, 2026.
- OpenAI has 5 days to turn over existing materials and 14 days for additional items.

## Why it matters

The disclosure could reveal how OpenAI recruited talent and possibly used Apple‑specific knowledge, impacting the legal battle over alleged trade‑secret theft.

## Sources & references

1. [Judge orders OpenAI to turn over hiring records in Apple trade secrets case](https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/13/judge-orders-openai-to-turn-over-hiring-records-in-apple-trade-secrets-case/) – TechCrunch, 2026-10-13

Last updated: 2026-10-13