Former Apple Engineer Accused of Leaking Apple Watch Trade Secrets to Oppo
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In a recent legal development, Apple has intensified its allegations against former Apple Watch engineer Chen Shi, accusing him of misappropriating confidential information and sharing it with Chinese electronics company Oppo. This case underscores the ongoing challenges tech giants face in protecting their intellectual property.
Background of the Allegations
Apple’s initial lawsuit, filed in August 2025, claimed that Chen Shi, who served as a Sensor System Architect from 2020 to 2025, downloaded 63 confidential files during his final weeks at the company. These files reportedly contained sensitive information about Apple Watch technologies, including photoplethysmography (PPG), electrocardiogram (ECG) features, and proprietary temperature sensing methods. Apple alleges that Shi transferred these files to a USB drive before resigning and subsequently joined Oppo’s subsidiary, InnoPeak Technology, in Palo Alto.
Evidence of Misconduct
Further investigation revealed that Shi prepared a presentation titled Former Apple Technical Director Reveals: Apple Sensor Hardware Development Philosophy and Methodology, which he delivered at an Oppo event on August 1, 2025. Apple contends that this presentation included slides derived from the confidential files Shi had downloaded. Additionally, Shi reportedly answered questions about Apple’s sensor design during the event, further disseminating proprietary information.
Oppo’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Oppo has denied any wrongdoing, stating that their internal investigation found no evidence supporting Apple’s allegations. The company claims that Shi’s presentation covered general engineering principles without disclosing specific Apple trade secrets. However, Apple argues that Oppo has not fully cooperated with the legal discovery process, failing to provide all requested documents and forensic device reports. There are also concerns that Shi may have deleted files from Oppo’s servers after the lawsuit was filed, potentially destroying key evidence.
Court’s Stance and Next Steps
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has ordered Oppo to comply with Apple’s document requests by October 31, 2025. Shi has agreed to participate in a deposition but has requested an extension due to a recent medical diagnosis that could be exacerbated by the proceedings. He has also sought a protective order to limit or stay the deposition for medical reasons.
Implications for the Tech Industry
This case highlights the critical importance of safeguarding intellectual property in the highly competitive tech industry. Companies invest significant resources in developing proprietary technologies, and the unauthorized dissemination of such information can have substantial financial and strategic repercussions. The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, emphasizing the need for robust internal controls and legal frameworks to protect trade secrets.
Historical Context
Apple has a history of aggressively protecting its intellectual property. In 2021, the company sued former materials lead Simon Lancaster for allegedly leaking trade secrets to the media. Lancaster was accused of accessing data outside his job’s scope and providing it to an unnamed publication in exchange for favorable coverage of his startup. The lawsuit was settled in 2022, with Lancaster agreeing to pay an undisclosed sum and being barred from disclosing any confidential Apple information without the company’s express written consent.
Conclusion
The allegations against Chen Shi and Oppo serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges tech companies face in protecting their innovations. As the legal proceedings unfold, the tech industry will be closely watching the case’s outcome and its potential implications for intellectual property protection and corporate ethics.
