A nine-person jury [2] has begun deliberations in the federal trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
The outcome of the case could redefine the legal obligations of artificial intelligence companies that transition from nonprofit origins to profit-driven business models.
The trial took place at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Oakland, California [2]. Closing arguments concluded on May 14 [2]. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers [3] presided over the proceedings, which lasted three weeks [1].
Musk filed the lawsuit in 2024 [4]. He said that Altman and other OpenAI executives shifted the company toward a profit-making model without his consent. Musk said this transition violated the terms of his early partnership and investment [5].
Records show Musk provided an original investment of $38 million [4] to the organization. He said that the shift in the company's mission breached the foundational agreement intended to keep the technology open, and focused on the public good rather than corporate gain [5].
While the jury is currently deliberating, the nature of their verdict is advisory [3]. Judge Rogers said she will make the final decision regarding liability based on the jury's findings [3].
“A nine-person jury has begun deliberations in the federal trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.”
This case tests whether the early governing documents of an AI nonprofit can legally bind a company as it scales into a commercial entity. If the court finds for Musk, it may create a precedent for other early investors and founders to challenge the corporate pivots of AI labs, potentially impacting how these companies manage their intellectual property and governance structures.
