AI news · Apple v OpenAI · courts
OpenAI agrees not to use Apple’s alleged trade secrets
The pledge came at a hearing where the judge leaned towards Apple, on the day OpenAI filed its own accusation against a former worker.
OpenAI agreed on Wednesday 14 October 2026 not to use the trade secrets Apple says former staff carried over to it, for as long as the lawsuit runs. The promise came at a hearing where Judge Edward Davila said he was “highly likely” to grant Apple a preliminary injunction, a court order that freezes things until trial, 9to5Mac reports, citing Bloomberg. A day earlier, the same judge gave Apple early access to OpenAI documents.
Under the deal, OpenAI also collects forensic copies of devices from 14 employees that may hold Apple’s information, Bloomberg reported, according to 9to5Mac. The judge can punish any breach with sanctions. The judge was less receptive to Apple’s bigger demand: access to every device and repository that could hold its secrets.
OpenAI filed an accusation of its own the same day. It says a former employee, who joined from Apple and went back after six months, sent more than 100 confidential files about an unreleased OpenAI device to personal accounts, the last of them on his final day in June, CNN reports. OpenAI also alleges he presented its product plans to Apple’s senior leaders. Apple told CNN it has found no evidence for the claims and accused OpenAI of trying to distract from the original case.
Both companies are building AI devices, and the court now decides what each may use from staff who moved between them.
Earlier on this story: Judge gives Apple early access to OpenAI hiring records
Sources
Alexandre S.
Alexandre S. is a creative ad strategist and copywriter with ten years' experience in digital marketing across multiple channels.
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