Apple Inc Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs was subpoenaed by US Securities & Exchange Commission to give a deposition in a backdating lawsuit against company’s former general counsel, two people familiar with the matter said.

The subpoena seeks Mr Jobs’ testimony in SEC’s lawsuit against Ms Nancy Heinen, who was sued April 24 for allegedly backdating stock-option grants to Mr Jobs and members of his executive team, said the sources, who requested anonymity because deposition subpoenas aren’t made public.

Ms Heinen was sued for allegedly backdating a 7.5 million share-option grant to Mr Jobs in 2001 and an earlier grant to his executive team. Mr Jobs recommended some favourable dates on options other than his own, Apple said December 29. Ms Heinen’s lawyers sought to depose 45 people, including the recipients of the grants, according to a court filing.

Apple spokesman Steve Dowling declined to comment. Mr Jobs attorney Mark Pomerantz didn’t return a call to his office.