OpenAI and Elon Musk Set December Trial Date Over For-Profit Dispute

OpenAI and Elon Musk have agreed to a December trial date to address their ongoing legal dispute over OpenAI's transition to a for-profit model. This decision was made to expedite the proceedings, as reported by Reuters, citing court documents. The trial will determine whether the case will be heard by a jury or solely by a judge.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI with Sam Altman in 2015, left the company before its significant growth in the AI sector. In 2024, Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Altman, claiming that the company deviated from its original nonprofit mission. OpenAI, however, maintains that the shift to a for-profit model is essential for raising capital and competing in the AI industry.

Recently, a court rejected Musk's request for a preliminary injunction to halt OpenAI's transition, stating that Musk had not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of his claims. OpenAI has expressed confidence in the court's decision and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a nonprofit component within its structure.