Elon Musk took the stand Tuesday as the first witness in his billion-dollar lawsuit against OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman, and Microsoft in federal court in Oakland. The case challenges the company's transformation from a charity-backed research lab into a commercial AI powerhouse. Musk argued bluntly that "it's not okay to steal a charity."
A verdict against OpenAI could reshape control of one of the world's most valuable private firms. Musk, who co-founded the lab in 2015, left its board three years later and now runs rival xAI. His suit dates to 2024, accusing Altman, co-founder Greg Brockman, and Microsoft of abandoning the original goal of benefiting humanity.
OpenAI says Musk donated $38 million before departing. His side has floated potential damages in the hundreds of billions. He seeks sweeping remedies—including changes to OpenAI's corporate structure, removal of Altman and Brockman, and directing any awards to the company's nonprofit arm.
OpenAI counters that Musk is driven by jealousy and regret over leaving. The trial marks a high-stakes moment for governance of artificial intelligence development. A ruling could set precedent for how mission-driven AI labs transition to profit-seeking entities.
The case's ultimate outcome remains uncertain, but it already underscores deep fractures in the AI community over corporate control and ethical obligations.