Tesla CEO Elon Musk has dropped the majority of his claims against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in the ongoing lawsuit, according to Bloomberg and Reuters. The case will proceed with only two of its original 26 claims, narrowing the focus to allegations of unjust enrichment and breach of charitable trust obligations.
Lawsuit narrowed to two issues
Musk’s move comes just two days before a critical phase of the federal court process was set to begin. Jury selection in the Oakland, California federal district court is scheduled for April 27, with opening statements expected on April 28.
In the lawsuit, Musk contends that OpenAI was founded with the promise of developing open-source artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity. He argues that, over time and with support from Microsoft, the organization shifted towards a profit-driven model, contradicting its original non-profit principles.
Musk’s main claim in the court documents is that OpenAI strayed from its public-interest commitments made at its founding, resulting in unjust gains.
Musk seeks $134 billion in damages
Musk asserts that he provided $38 million in initial funding to OpenAI in 2015. He is now seeking up to $134 billion in damages and has stated that, should he win, he intends to dedicate this sum to a charitable foundation for the benefit of OpenAI.
Musk also insists that OpenAI must return to a charitable governance model and is calling for the removal of Altman and OpenAI President Greg Brockman from their positions.
Founded in 2015, OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research and product company originally established to develop artificial general intelligence for the greater good. The company, which became globally prominent with the launch of ChatGPT, has faced ongoing debates over its structure and mission following commercial partnerships with Microsoft.
Altman and Microsoft reject accusations
Altman, Brockman, and Microsoft have all dismissed Musk’s allegations, describing the lawsuit as an unfounded attempt at exerting pressure. They argue OpenAI’s evolution is directly tied to the company’s technological ambitions and resource requirements.
Musk and Altman had previously worked together during OpenAI’s early years. However, after Musk left the organization in 2018, relations soured, ultimately leading to the current legal confrontation launched in 2024.
Known for his trailblazing efforts in electric vehicles, space technology, and artificial intelligence, Musk remains one of the most influential figures in the tech sector. Altman, for his part, plays a central role in shaping OpenAI’s product strategy and global standing within the AI industry.
