Apple Alleges Ex-Apple Watch Employee Plotted to Pilfer Trade Secrets for Oppo

Apple has formally accused a former employee from its Apple Watch division of colluding with others to steal confidential trade secrets and subsequently transfer them to Oppo, a rival Chinese company. The lawsuit asserts that the employee, who held a crucial technical role in the development of the Apple Watch, abused their position to access sensitive information regarding battery technologies, displays, and circuit design. Apple alleges that the employee unlawfully downloaded this information onto external storage devices and conveyed it to individuals working for Oppo. The complaint further states that this conspiracy has caused significant damages to Apple, as the misappropriated trade secrets could provide Oppo with an unfair advantage in the smartwatch market. Apple is seeking substantial monetary damages, punitive damages, and an injunction preventing the former employee and anyone acting in concert with them from using or disclosing the stolen trade secrets. Apple emphasizes its commitment to pursuing all available legal avenues to protect its intellectual property and ensure that competitors do not profit from its confidential business information.