Apple Slaps Oppo with Lawsuit Over Alleged Tech Theft—Here’s Why It Matters

Tech giant Apple fires legal missiles at Chinese smartphone rival Oppo, accusing it of ripping off proprietary technology in a high-stakes intellectual property battle.

The Core Claims

Apple alleges Oppo lifted key tech—think patented hardware designs and software features—without permission. No specific dollar figures disclosed, but the suit seeks damages and injunctions against Oppo's allegedly infringing products.

Broader Implications

This isn't just corporate sparring—it's a power move in the global tech war. Apple's legal offensive signals zero tolerance for IP leaks, especially as it defends its ecosystem against fast-moving competitors.

Market Ripples

Oppo's parent BBK Electronics—which also owns Vivo and Realme—could face supply chain disruptions and reputational hits if the suit gains traction. Investors, meanwhile, are probably sighing—another legal drama sucking capital from actual innovation.

Apple alleges Shi lied about Departure, shared secrets with Oppo

Apple says it often goes to court when others misuse its intellectual property. The complaint says that in recent years at least three former engineers from Apple’s now-ended self-driving car project were charged with crimes for taking secrets to China.

The company has also been litigating with Irvine, California based Masimo Corp. over smartwatch technology since 2020.

Apple says Shi concealed his MOVE to Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp. by telling colleagues in Cupertino that he was returning to China to care for his aging parents. Apple says Shi violated his confidentiality and IP obligations, and that Oppo was aware of and encouraged his actions.

In one alleged message sent in Chinese to Oppo’s vice president of health before he quit, Shi wrote that he had been “reviewing various internal materials and doing a lot of 1:1 meetings in an effort to collect as much information as possible — will share with you all later.” The Oppo executive replied “alright” and sent an “OK” emoji, according to the complaint.

Apple warns of damage to innovation and fair Play

Apple argues that letting the conduct by Shi and Oppo “to go unpunished WOULD undermine Apple’s commitment to innovation and its substantial investments in pioneering technologies like Apple Watch.” The complaint continues stating “It would also risk destroying the value of Apple’s trade secrets and provide a competitor with an unfair advantage.”

After his departure, Shi joined Oppo’s Silicon Valley research arm, which operates under the Oppo and InnoPeak names, the complaint says.

The lawsuit is titled Apple Inc. v. Chen Shi, Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp Ltd., and InnoPeak Technology Inc., No. 5:25-cv-7105, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division. The venue places the dispute in federal court in San Jose. The complaint details the alleged conduct in that filing.

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