Closing arguments are underway on May 14, 2026 [1], in the legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI at a federal court in Oakland, California [1], [4].

The outcome of this case could redefine the legal boundaries of non-profit transitions in the tech industry and establish precedents for how trade secrets regarding artificial intelligence safety are protected.

Musk filed the lawsuit alleging that OpenAI breached a contract and misappropriated trade secrets related to AI safety work [1]. The proceedings took place in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California [4].

During his testimony on April 28, 2026, Musk discussed the existential risks of the technology, and said that it "could also kill us all" [3]. The trial has focused on the corporate fracture between the founders and the current leadership of the AI company.

Presiding Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has managed several evidentiary disputes during the trial. In one instance, she addressed the inclusion of specific items in the record and said, "I will not admit the trophy into evidence" [4].

While some reports indicated closing arguments were expected to begin today [2], other accounts confirm the proceedings are already underway [5]. Both parties are now presenting their final arguments to the federal jury before a verdict is reached.

“"could also kill us all."”

This lawsuit represents a fundamental clash over the governance of artificial intelligence. By challenging OpenAI's transition from a non-profit to a capped-profit entity, Musk is attempting to legally enforce the original mission of open-source safety. A ruling in his favor could force AI labs to be more transparent about their internal safety protocols and financial structures.