Lawyers for Elon Musk and OpenAI make their final case in a trial that could shape AI’s future

Lawyers for Elon Musk and OpenAI make their final case in a trial that could shape AI’s future

Lawyers for Elon Musk and OpenAI make their final case in a trial that could shape AI’s future

https://abc7.com/post/lawyers-elon-musk-openai-make-final-case-trial-could-shape-ais-future/19125309/

Publish Date: 2026-05-18 14:07:00

Source Domain: abc7.com

Here are six key points from the article:

  • Elon Musk vs. OpenAI: Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company’s CEO Sam Altman and top deputy of betraying the organization’s nonprofit origins to pursue a for-profit agenda behind his back.

  • Impact on AI: The trial’s outcome could significantly influence the future of artificial intelligence, a rapidly evolving technology with wide-ranging economic, societal, and existential implications.

  • Timing and Statutes of Limitations: One key issue before the jury is whether Musk filed his lawsuit within the appropriate statutory timeframe; the judge has indicated that missing this deadline could lead to a likely dismissal in favor of the defendants.

  • Altman’s Credibility: Musk’s lawyer emphasized Altman’s credibility, bringing attention to testimonies in which witnesses labeled Altman as untrustworthy or even a liar.

  • Funds and Disgorgement: Although Musk abandoned his initial bid for personal damages, he still seeks money to support the charitable efforts of OpenAI’s nonprofit arm, aiming for billions of dollars in disgorgement.

  • OpenAI’s Defense: OpenAI’s lawyer contends that Musk mischaracterized the organization’s founding and that he had known from the start that OpenAI could become for-profit while remaining true to its mission, emphasizing that Musk’s claims lack substantial evidence.