Apple sues ex‑Apple Watch engineer Chen Shi and Oppo over alleged trade secret theft

Apple has filed a lawsuit naming former Sensor System Architect Chen Shi and smartphone maker Oppo, alleging that Shi stole trade secrets related to Apple Watch health‑sensing technologies and shared them with his new employer.

Key points

• Chen Shi worked on the Apple Watch sensor team from January 2020 to June 2025, according to Apple’s complaint.
• Apple alleges Shi downloaded 63 files from a protected folder, copied them to a USB drive, and searched for ways to wipe his MacBook and cover access to shared files.
• The lawsuit claims the stolen material related to optical sensors, temperature sensors and ECG sensors, and that Shi messaged future Oppo employers saying he would “collect as much information as possible.”
• Oppo has denied any evidence linking the alleged actions to the company and says it hasn’t misappropriated Apple’s trade secrets.
• Apple is seeking injunctive relief, damages and other remedies in the Northern California lawsuit.

Context

This follows previous Apple actions this year against former employees accused of taking intellectual property to new employers. Apple has been increasingly aggressive in protecting its hardware and health‑technology IP.

Sources & further reading

• MacRumors: Apple Watch trade secret lawsuit vs. Oppo & ex‑employee
• Engadget: Apple claims an ex‑employee stole Apple Watch trade secrets for Oppo
• Neowin: Coverage of the lawsuit

Published: Automated post