OpenAI agrees not to use alleged Apple trade secrets amid ongoing lawsuit

OpenAI has voluntarily agreed not to utilize Apple’s alleged trade secrets while the ongoing legal dispute between the two tech giants continues, according to Bloomberg. This decision came during a recent hearing, where it was reported that OpenAI had filed a new motion alleging that a former employee took over 100 confidential files related to Apple's unreleased hardware when they moved from OpenAI to Apple.

Judge Edward Davila, presiding over the case, expressed a high likelihood of granting Apple's request for a preliminary injunction. This injunction would prevent OpenAI from accessing, using, or disclosing Apple's confidential information during the proceedings. Apple had also sought expedited discovery, requesting early access to internal documents, forensic evidence, and employee testimony to strengthen its case.

OpenAI complied with many of these requests in the days following the hearing. The judge's indication of granting the injunction led OpenAI to pledge not to use the trade secrets alleged by Apple. As part of this agreement, OpenAI committed to collecting forensic images from 14 former employees' devices that may contain Apple's confidential information.

Judge Davila will have the power to enforce this agreement, with OpenAI potentially facing sanctions if it fails to adhere to the terms. Apple's attorney, John M. Desmarais, described the judge's demand to inspect every device and repository that could contain its trade secrets as an "enormous ask." In response, Apple clarified they would limit their inspections to a select group of former employees, asserting that it was not a widespread issue, but rather a few "bad apples." Bloomberg's complete report can be found [here](https://www.bloomberg.com).