Artificial intelligence is once again at the center of a major global conversation, but this time it is not about new tools or tech updates. It is about a serious legal fight between Elon Musk and Sam Altman. The two well-known tech figures are now facing each other in a US court over OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
Elon Musk vs Sam Altman: How the Story Started
Elon Musk and Sam Altman worked together to launch OpenAI in 2015. The organization was set up as a nonprofit with a clear aim: to build artificial intelligence that benefits all people. Both leaders were concerned about the risks linked to advanced AI and wanted it to be developed carefully. At that time, Musk was already leading Tesla and SpaceX, while Altman was a known name in Silicon Valley’s startup space.
The Split and Musk's Exit
Over time, disagreements grew between the two. Elon Musk left OpenAI in 2018 after internal issues. As reported by the BBC, before leaving, Musk wrote in an email: "Guys, I've had enough. Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit. I will no longer fund OpenAI until you have made a firm commitment to stay, or I'm just being a fool who is essentially providing free funding for you to create a startup." After Musk left, OpenAI continued its work and later became widely known after launching ChatGPT in 2022. Musk later started his own AI company called xAI, which also entered the competitive AI space.
What Elon Musk Is Saying in Court
Musk has now filed a lawsuit against OpenAI. He claims the company moved away from its original nonprofit mission and started focusing more on making profits. He also says he was misled and is asking for billions of dollars in damages. Along with this, he wants changes in OpenAI’s structure and leadership. Musk has also raised concerns about the company’s direction and its relationship with Microsoft.
OpenAI's Response
OpenAI has rejected all claims made by Musk. The company says Musk is acting out of frustration after leaving the organization. It also says that changes in structure were necessary to support the large-scale development of artificial intelligence. OpenAI believes Musk is now targeting a competitor in the AI industry.
The Case in Court
The matter is being heard in a federal court in California. As highlighted by the BBC, a nine-member jury will decide the case under a judge who has said both sides will be treated equally. The trial is expected to continue for around a month. Important witnesses, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and former OpenAI employees, are expected to testify.
Public Exchanges Between Musk and Altman
The dispute has also been seen in public conversations. At one point, Musk and investors offered to buy OpenAI’s assets for around 97.4 billion dollars. OpenAI rejected the offer. After that, Altman posted on X that they could buy Twitter for 9.74 billion dollars if Musk agreed. Musk replied with one word: "Swindler."
