Lawyers for Elon Musk and OpenAI make their final case in a trial that could shape AI's future

"Musk, the world's richest man, was a co-founder of OpenAI, which started in 2015 and went on to create ChatGPT. His lawsuit filed in 2024 accuses OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and his top deputy of betraying a plan to keep it as a nonprofit and shifting into a moneymaking mode behind his back."

"The trial's outcome could sway the balance of power in AI - breakthrough technology that increasingly has raised fears about its potential impacts on the economy, society and even humanity's survival. Scrutiny of Altman's leadership comes at a crucial time for the company and its competitors, Musk's own AI firm, and Anthropic, formed by a group of seven ex-OpenAI leaders."

"Musk is seeking damages and changes to OpenAI's business structure, as well as Altman's ouster from company leadership. If Musk wins, it could derail OpenAI's IPO plans. Timing of lawsuit is key question One of the jury's tasks is to decide if Musk filed his lawsuit in time."

"OpenAI has argued that Musk waited too long and cannot claim harms that occurred before August 2021. The judge wrote in a court filing last month that "if the jury finds that Musk failed to file his action within the statute of limitations, it is highly likely" that she will "accept that finding and direct verdict to the defendants.""

Elon Musk and OpenAI made final arguments in a trial that could affect artificial intelligence’s future. Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 and later sued in 2024, alleging OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and a top deputy betrayed a plan to keep OpenAI a nonprofit and shifted to profit-making without notice. The case could influence power among major AI companies, including Musk’s own firm and Anthropic, as all three move toward large initial public offerings. Musk seeks damages, changes to OpenAI’s business structure, and removal of Altman from leadership. A key issue is whether the lawsuit was filed within the statute of limitations, with OpenAI arguing Musk waited too long. If timely, jurors must decide whether OpenAI had a charitable trust that was broken and whether unjust enrichment occurred.

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