Apple Accuses Oppo of Massive Trade Secret Theft in Wearable Tech Lawsuit

Apple has filed explosive new claims in a lawsuit against Chinese smartphone maker Oppo. The tech giant alleges a former Apple Watch engineer stole sensitive trade secrets and presented them to hundreds of Oppo employees. The court filing was submitted last week in a continuing legal battle.

According to Reuters, the case centers on former employee Chen Shi. Apple claims he downloaded confidential files before leaving the company. He then allegedly gave a detailed presentation on Apple’s proprietary sensor technology at Oppo.

Inside the Alleged “Apple Sensors” Presentation

Apple discovered that Chen Shi presented on Apple’s sensor development philosophy. Internal Oppo communications promoted his talk titled “Apple’s Sensor Hardware R&D Philosophy and Methodology.” The promotional tagline asked employees if they were curious about Apple’s sensor development process.

Apple asserts the presentation slides were taken directly from confidential Apple materials. The company claims Shi answered specific questions about Apple’s sensor design during the session. This presentation was allegedly given to hundreds of Oppo staff members.

Further, Apple states Oppo encouraged Shi to share the stolen information. The lawsuit suggests Oppo benefited from this alleged intellectual property theft. Shi now works at Oppo developing sensing technology.

Legal Battle Intensifies Over Document Requests

Apple claims Oppo is withholding crucial evidence in the case. The company says Oppo has not provided all requested documents or forensic device reports. This information would help determine the full extent of the alleged data theft.

Apple also alleges Shi was allowed to delete information after the original lawsuit was filed. The company has asked the court for injunctive relief to prevent further disclosure of its trade secrets. Apple wants Oppo employees exposed to its technology quarantined from competitive projects.

Oppo maintains it found no evidence of trade secret theft after conducting comprehensive searches. The company calls the presentation a discussion of “general engineering principles.” Oppo claims there is no basis for Apple’s request for preliminary injunctive relief.

The legal dispute highlights growing tensions in the competitive wearable technology market. This Apple Oppo trade secrets lawsuit could set important precedents for intellectual property protection globally. The outcome may significantly impact how tech companies safeguard their innovations.

Thought you’d like to know

What specific technology was allegedly stolen?

The lawsuit focuses on Apple Watch sensor technology. This includes heart rate sensing methods and future product plans. The stolen files detailed Apple’s sensor hardware research and development philosophy.

How does Oppo respond to these allegations?

Oppo denies receiving any Apple trade secrets from Chen Shi. The company claims it conducted thorough internal searches that revealed no confidential Apple information. Oppo describes the presentation as covering general engineering concepts only.

What legal action has Apple requested?

Apple seeks restitution, damages, and punitive damages. The company also requests attorneys’ fees and an injunction against further disclosure of its secrets. Apple wants to prevent Oppo products from being developed using its technology.

What evidence does Apple have of the theft?

Apple states Shi downloaded 63 files from protected company folders before leaving. He transferred these files to a USB drive and searched for ways to cover his tracks. Shi also held numerous meetings with Apple Watch technical team members before his departure.

What is the current status of the lawsuit?

The court has ordered Oppo to provide requested documents by October 31. Documents may be submitted on a rolling basis if volume is high. Shi has requested to delay his deposition due to a recent medical diagnosis.