← Latest briefing

Technology

Apple renews push for expedited discovery in OpenAI trade secret lawsuit

The company filed a reply urging a federal judge to grant early access to evidence and depositions, arguing OpenAI could embed stolen trade secrets into hardware development.

The short version

  • Apple urged a federal court to grant expedited discovery in its trade secret lawsuit against former employees, OpenAI, and io Products.
  • Apple claims early discovery is required to prevent defendants from using proprietary information in competing hardware projects, while OpenAI previously argued the request was overbroad and burdensome.
  • A court hearing on Apple's expedited-discovery motion is set for October 1 before Judge Edward Davila.

Key facts

  • Apple filed a court reply advocating for expedited discovery in its trade secret misappropriation suit against OpenAI, io Products, and former employees.[9to5Mac]
  • Apple's request asks for early production of documents, forensic imaging of accounts and devices, and depositions of key witnesses within 30 to 50 days.[9to5Mac]
  • OpenAI and co-defendants previously opposed the motion, claiming Apple failed to show good cause and that the requests were burdensome and overbroad.[9to5Mac]
  • In its latest filing, Apple narrowed its requested timeframe for document production to items dated on or after August 1, 2023.[9to5Mac]
  • Judge Edward Davila is scheduled to hear Apple's expedited-discovery motion on October 1.[9to5Mac]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether Judge Edward Davila will rule on the expedited discovery motion prior to the scheduled October 1 hearing remains unknown.[9to5Mac]

Sources