Apple Seeks Court Order to Compel YouTuber's Cooperation in Trade Secrets Lawsuit

Prosser accused of failing to fully respond to Apple's discovery requests, while co-defendant Ramacciotti is cooperating.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic data server rack with pulsing neon lights, conceptually representing the hidden digital infrastructure at the heart of the tech industry's intellectual property battles.As tech giants fight to protect their trade secrets, the high-stakes battle over confidential data rages on behind the scenes.California City Today

A joint status report filed in Apple's trade secrets lawsuit against YouTuber Jon Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti shows Prosser is still failing to comply with discovery, prompting Apple to seek a court order to force his cooperation. Meanwhile, Ramacciotti has been more forthcoming, allowing forensic review of a device and offering to sit for a deposition.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges tech companies face in protecting their intellectual property against leaks, especially from influential social media personalities. Apple is seeking to recoup damages and prevent further disclosure of its confidential information.

The details

Apple served Prosser with document and deposition subpoenas in February 2026, but he has failed to fully respond to certain requests and not responded at all to others. Apple has extended his deadline multiple times but still lacks the limited discovery it needs. Prosser has indicated he plans to retain counsel and try to set aside the default judgment entered against him in October 2025 after he missed the court deadline to respond to Apple's complaint.

  • In July 2025, Apple filed the lawsuit accusing Prosser and Ramacciotti of misappropriating trade secrets.
  • In October 2025, a default judgment was entered against Prosser after he missed the court deadline to respond to Apple's complaint.
  • On February 3, 2026, Apple served Prosser with document and deposition subpoenas.
  • The parties have scheduled a further status update with the court for June 10, 2026.

The players

Jon Prosser

A YouTuber accused by Apple of misappropriating trade secrets and failing to comply with discovery requests in the lawsuit.

Michael Ramacciotti

Co-defendant in the lawsuit who has been more cooperative, allowing forensic review of a device and offering to sit for a deposition.

Ethan Lipnik

A former Apple software engineer who was terminated for failing to follow policies for securing a development iPhone that was accessed by Ramacciotti.

Apple Inc.

The tech giant that filed the lawsuit against Prosser and Ramacciotti, accusing them of misappropriating trade secrets related to iOS 26.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Apple intends to file a Motion for an Order to Show Cause in the Northern District of Ohio to force Prosser's compliance with the discovery requests.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges tech companies face in protecting their intellectual property from leaks, especially when influential social media personalities are involved. Apple's pursuit of this lawsuit highlights its determination to recoup damages and prevent further disclosure of its confidential information.