The Musk Vs. OpenAI Trial Is Underway — Here's Where Things Stand

The high-profile trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI is underway, focusing on whether CEO Sam Altman betrayed OpenAI's founding promise as a nonprofit. Musk, a co-founder, accuses Altman and President Greg Brockman of tricking him, using his funding to build an $800 billion company for personal profit. Musk claims they "stole a charity," arguing OpenAI's current for-profit structure and Microsoft investment violate its original mission. He asserts he conceived OpenAI, recruited key personnel, and provided initial funding, prioritizing AI safety to prevent a "Terminator" future. He stated OpenAI was created to counter Google's AI dominance, as he perceived Google's co-founder, Larry Page, as unconcerned about AI safety. OpenAI's defense argues Musk knew about and supported a for-profit structure, and is now using the lawsuit to attack a rival while building his own AI company, xAI. Musk seeks $134 billion in damages, Altman and Brockman's removal, and a restructuring of OpenAI. The trial features an advisory jury, with the judge making the final decision. Key figures like Altman, Brockman, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella are expected to testify.