OpenAI Lawsuit Live Updates: Jury Rejects Elon Musk’s Claim in Unanimous Verdict
OpenAI Lawsuit Live Updates: Jury Rejects Elon Musk’s Claim in Unanimous Verdict
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/05/18/technology/openai-trial-verdict-altman-musk
Publish Date: 2026-05-18 13:49:00
Source Domain: www.nytimes.com
Here are six key points from the article on the trial involving Elon Musk:
-
Early Arrivals and Anticipation: People, including young AI safety researchers, often line up outside the federal courthouse in Oakland, California, early in the morning, sometimes before dawn, to attend the trial.
-
Trial Coverage and Security: Covering the trial involves arriving an hour before the 8 a.m. start, despite having a press pass, due to the congestion from lawyers and tech moguls. Security measures are tight, including metal detectors for even the tech founders.
-
Courtroom Dynamics: Only one media press pass is available, and it rotates between reporters. Despite the convenience of being able to use laptops, photography and recording are strictly off-limits, even for those with passes.
-
Judge’s Admonitions: Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has to repeatedly warn people against recording proceedings or taking photos, threatening to confiscate devices and close an overflow room if warnings are ignored.
-
Personal Sides of Musk: The article captures nuances in Musk’s demeanor; he appeared calm and strategic during his own questioning but became combative during cross-examination.
-
Musk-Altman Rivalry: The strained relationship between Musk and his former partner Sam Altman is a focal point. Musk has publicly criticized Altman on social media, highlighting the personal and professional tensions that add drama to the trial.
If you need more details or have any further questions, I’d be happy to help direct you to additional resources.