GoKawiilApple pushes for independent forensic review and OpenAI hardware documents in trade secrets suit
Apple has asked the court overseeing its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, io Products and several former employees to grant its own experts access to forensic disk images already gathered in the case, and to compel OpenAI to hand over documents tied to its hardware R&D efforts. The move follows Apple's claim that a forensic check of a MacBook used by former employee Chang Liu after he joined OpenAI revealed he ran a simulation using a confidential Apple circuit schematic, and that a related Mac mini may hold further evidence.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The dispute centers on how much access Apple should get to OpenAI's internal hardware work while the case is still in its early, contested discovery phase. Apple argues speed is essential because any misuse of its trade secrets could become embedded in OpenAI's evolving hardware product, making it harder to unwind later, while OpenAI counters that Apple's own lax offboarding practices are the real source of the problem.
- Apple wants independent expert access to forensic disk images already collected in the case.
- The dispute touches OpenAI's hardware R&D, raising stakes around its unreleased device plans.
- Apple is pursuing expedited discovery and a preliminary injunction, both opposed by OpenAI.
Source: 9to5mac.com — Marcus Mendes, 2026-09-22
Published there as: “Apple challenges OpenAI’s forensic analysis in trade secrets case, seeks access to hardware R&D”
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