Musk loses case against OpenAI

Musk loses case against OpenAI

https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/18/tech/openai-musk-lawsuit-verdict

Publish Date: 2026-05-18 13:36:00

Source Domain: www.cnn.com

  • Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI and its leaders, including CEO Sam Altman and company president Greg Brockman, was dismissed due to the statute of limitations.

  • The jury’s verdict, though advisory, was agreed upon by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who found ample evidence supporting the jury’s findings.

  • Musk, who cofounded and funded OpenAI with an initial $38 million investment, alleged that the defendants shifted the company’s structure to include a for-profit arm, thereby misappropriating a charitable enterprise.

  • The trial revealed that Musk was aware of the changes at the company as early as 2021, and had even attempted to establish a for-profit branch of his own.

  • The jury found the lawsuit to be an attempt to undermine a competitor, as Musk had founded his own AI company, xAI, before filing the suit.

  • High-profile witnesses, including former board member and Musk’s child’s mother, Shivon Zilis, and notable testimonies were part of the proceedings.

  • The evidence presented included internal communications and Google’s role in OpenAI’s founding.

  • The case highlighted Musk’s romantic ties with Zilis and the various funding considerations examined by OpenAI during its setup.

  • Microsoft, named as a codefendant for its investment in OpenAI, supported the decision to dismiss Musk’s claims.

  • Musk’s legal team expressed intentions to appeal the decision.