Elon Musk and Sam Altman are now in a jury trial in Oakland, California, over the founding and control of OpenAI, as the case moves through the courtroom after jury selection was completed.
The federal court proceeding focuses on how OpenAI, formed in 2015 as a nonprofit research group, later shifted into a for-profit structure through multiple reorganisations beginning in 2019. The company is now valued at more than $850 billion.
Jury selection has been completed, and the trial has moved into the phase where testimony and opening statements are expected in court.
Musk alleges that Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman moved OpenAI away from its original purpose and did so without proper agreement from him. He claims the organisation shifted into a profit-driven structure that used his early involvement and funding.
Court documents include internal material from OpenAI’s early years. In a 2017 entry, Greg Brockman wrote. “This is the only chance we have to get out from Elon,” and added, “Is he the ‘glorious leader’ that I would pick?”
Musk also stated. “I started it, funded it, recruited critical talent and taught them everything I know about how to make a startup successful FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD,” adding, “Then they stole the charity.”
OpenAI rejects the claims. In a statement posted on X, the company said. “This lawsuit has always been a baseless and jealous bid to derail a competitor.”
The company also argues Musk’s legal action is linked to competition in the artificial intelligence sector, pointing to his own firm, xAI, launched in 2023 after OpenAI released ChatGPT.
Microsoft, also named in the case, denies any coordination in the restructuring process and says its partnership with OpenAI began after Musk left its board.
Musk is seeking about $150 billion in damages and is also asking for changes to OpenAI’s structure, including a return to nonprofit status and removal of Altman and Brockman from leadership roles.
Some of those questioned expressed negative views about Musk, with one saying “Elon doesn’t care about people,” but most said they could be fair. A nurse and a person who owns a painting company are among the jurors.
Opening statements are expected on Tuesday.
Altman attended jury selection in court. Musk did not appear.
Court filings state Musk contributed about $38 million in early funding between 2016 and 2020.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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