Elon Musk’s legal battle with OpenAI and Microsoft has escalated, with his lawyers claiming compensation between $79 billion and $134 billion. Musk alleges that both companies misled him by straying from the original non-profit objectives of OpenAI, a startup he co-founded after investing $38 million. Expert estimates suggest Musk is entitled to a share of OpenAI’s current market valuation, approximately $500 billion. His lawyer, Steven Molo, emphasized that the profits generated by OpenAI and Microsoft far exceed Musk’s initial contributions, warranting this hefty claim.
In contrast, OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, dismissed Musk’s accusations, labeling them as an attempt to hinder a rival’s development and part of a personal vendetta. They plan to contest Musk’s lawsuit, set for a jury trial in Oakland in April 2026, which is anticipated to be one of high-tech’s largest legal confrontations. This ongoing dispute underscores the complexities of startup investments and corporate evolution.
Source link
