A federal judge has allowed Apple’s breach-of-contract claim against former Apple Watch engineer Chen Shi—and related trade-secret claims—to move forward. The September 30, 2026, ruling in Apple Inc. v. Chen Shi et al. is a decision about whether Apple’s allegations are plausible enough to proceed, not a finding that Shi or the other defendants stole information or are liable.
What the judge decided
U.S. District Judge Eumi K. Lee denied the defendants’ motions to dismiss Apple’s second amended complaint in Apple Inc. v. Chen Shi et al., No. 25-cv-07105-EKL, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The ruling leaves Apple’s claims in the case at the pleading stage; it does not decide the ultimate merits.
Apple’s contract claim is against Shi. It is based on a confidentiality and intellectual-property agreement he signed while employed by Apple. The court concluded Apple plausibly alleged that Shi breached the agreement by disclosing proprietary information to other defendants.
Why the trade-secret claims can proceed
The order also denied dismissal of Apple’s claim under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act. Judge Lee found that Apple had identified particular sensor-related technology and specific files, rather than relying only on broad, generic categories, and had plausibly alleged that at least one trade secret existed.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The court further found Apple plausibly alleged that Zijing Zeng knew Shi was obtaining information in violation of his confidentiality obligations and encouraged its disclosure to Oppo and InnoPeak. That conclusion permits the claim to continue; it does not establish what Zeng knew or did as a fact.
Why the agreement was not treated as a ban on working
Shi argued that his agreement was void under California law as an unlawful restraint on his profession. The judge rejected that argument at this stage. On its face, the agreement did not prevent Shi from working in health sensing or for Oppo or InnoPeak; it prohibited the use or disclosure of proprietary information.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Judge Lee wrote that California Business and Professions Code Section 16600 “evinces a settled legislative policy in favor of open competition and employee mobility,” but “it does not permit departing employees to take their former employer’s trade secrets with them.”
The distinction is between restricting a person from competing or taking a job and enforcing an obligation not to use or disclose protected information. The ruling addresses the agreement as presented in this case, not every possible employment restriction.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What Apple alleges—and what remains unproven
According to Apple’s complaint, as recounted in the court’s order, Shi downloaded 63 documents from a protected Box folder three days before leaving Apple and transferred them to a USB drive the day before his departure. Apple also alleges that Shi met with Apple Watch technical staff to learn about work on optical, temperature, and ECG sensors, and later presented some information to hundreds of Oppo and InnoPeak engineers.
Apple alleges it invested hundreds of millions of dollars to improve Apple Watch features and services. These figures and events are allegations reproduced in the order, not findings the court verified. The defendants contest Apple’s allegations.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
A motion-to-dismiss decision generally tests whether a complaint’s well-pleaded allegations, taken as true for that limited purpose, state claims that may proceed. Judge Lee did not find that Shi downloaded or disclosed the files, that the information ultimately qualifies as a trade secret as a matter of fact, or that Shi, Zeng, Oppo, or InnoPeak is liable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens next
The order directed each defendant to file a responsive pleading by October 21, 2026. The ruling therefore moves the dispute beyond the dismissal stage, but the allegations still need to be resolved through the case. Developments after that deadline are not established by the cited order.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
