OpenAI has countersued Elon Musk, accusing him of harassment and trying to harm the company through “press attacks, malicious campaigns” and legal claims. The countersuit asks a federal judge to stop Musk from further actions against the AI company and hold him responsible for damages already caused.
The legal dispute centers on OpenAI’s planned transition to a for-profit model, which the company claims is necessary to raise capital and compete in the AI industry. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but later left and eventually created rival xAI, alleges the company has abandoned its original mission of developing AI for humanity’s benefit rather than corporate profit.
A jury trial is scheduled for spring next year, with significant implications for OpenAI’s future structure.
Meanwhile, a group of 12 former OpenAI employees filed an amicus brief supporting Musk’s position. They argue that OpenAI’s nonprofit governance is “crucial” to its mission and that the company used this structure as a recruitment tool.
Key positions
- OpenAI claims Musk is trying to “slow down OpenAI and seize control of the leading AI innovations for his personal benefit”
- Musk’s legal team referenced his earlier $97.4 billion takeover bid, which OpenAI rejected
- Former employees warn a for-profit OpenAI might “cut corners” on safety work
- OpenAI insists its nonprofit “isn’t going anywhere” and its mission “will remain the same”
The company must complete its transition by year-end to secure its entire $40 billion fundraising round.