Apple has initiated a lawsuit in California against Dr. Chen Shi, a former Sensor System Architect on the Apple Watch team, accusing him of misappropriating trade secrets and sharing them with Chinese smartphone maker Oppo and California’s InnoPeak Technology—Oppo’s U.S. research branch
The complaint claims Dr. Shi secretly downloaded 63 confidential documents related to Apple Watch health sensor technology from a secured Box folder just three days before leaving Apple—and transferred these to a USB drive a day prior to his departure
He also allegedly held “dozens” of one-on-one meetings with the Apple Watch technical team while concealing his true intentions and future employment with a direct competitor
Apple claims Oppo was aware of and benefited from this conduct to advance its own wearable technology, though Oppo denies wrongdoing and stated it will cooperate with the investigation
Notably, Apple’s complaint also suggests Dr. Shi examined methods to delete traces of his activity and covered his digital footsteps with intent The Verge.
Key Takeaways from the Lawsuit
1. Alleged Theft of Health Tech Secrets
The documents are said to include sensitive details on health sensor research for the Apple Watch, a cornerstone of the device’s competitive edge
2. Breach of Trust and Deceptive Exit
Dr. Shi reportedly claimed he was leaving to care for family in China, masking his move to Oppo. He continued accessing internal meetings and took advantage of access protocols during his exit
3. Legal Implications Beyond Just One Employee
By naming Oppo and InnoPeak, Apple implies the theft was part of a broader and possibly coordinated plan. Oppo has denied involvement but pledged to cooperate.
4. Apple’s Longstanding Vigilance
This lawsuit follows a series of similar cases—Apple sued Di Liu for Vision Pro leaks to Snap earlier in 2025, and previously reached settlements over leaks to journalists. The company consistently aims to enforce strict confidentiality.
Quick Reference Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Dr. Chen Shi, ex-Apple Watch engineer |
| Co-defendants | Oppo, InnoPeak Technology |
| Alleged offense | Theft of Apple Watch health sensor trade secrets |
| Actions taken by Dr. Shi | Downloaded 63 documents; transferred via USB; held clandestine meetings |
| Apple’s claim vs. Oppo | Apple alleges coordinated misconduct; Oppo denies wrongdoing |
| Context | Continues Apple’s rigorous defense of IP and trade secrets |
Final Thoughts
This lawsuit highlights Apple’s aggressive protection of its intellectual property and its readiness to pursue legal avenues when it believes proprietary information is compromised.
By involving Oppo and framing the incident as part of a possible conspiracy, Apple not only aims to rectify the damage but also to deter future misconduct and signal its commitment to safeguarding its technological leadership.
