The ongoing conflict between OpenAI and its co-founder, Elon Musk, continues to escalate, with no resolution in sight. In a recent court filing, OpenAI’s attorneys, along with CEO Sam Altman, called for Musk to be prohibited from engaging in further actions they deem unlawful and harmful. The filing highlights that while OpenAI has shown resilience, Musk’s behavior threatens its mission and relationships essential for future endeavors. It specifically mentions a recent fake takeover bid that they argue is intended to disrupt the organization’s future.
Musk’s attorney, Marc Toberoff, contends that OpenAI’s board failed to acknowledge a genuine bid Musk made earlier this year, suggesting that the board’s refusal reflects their unwillingness to pay fair market value for the company’s assets. In a statement, OpenAI has characterized Musk’s actions as bad-faith tactics aimed at undermining the organization for his personal gain. Musk’s legal battle accuses OpenAI of straying from its original non-profit mission, which was meant to ensure that AI research benefits humanity as a whole. Initially founded as a non-profit in 2015, OpenAI transitioned to a capped-profit model in 2019, seeking to restructure into a public benefit corporation.
After a judge denied Musk’s request for a preliminary injunction to stop this transition, the case is set to go to jury trial in spring 2026. The situation is complicated further by mounting pressure from various organizations, including labor groups, who have petitioned the California Attorney General to halt OpenAI’s for-profit conversion. They argue that the company is failing to uphold its charitable assets. Meanwhile, OpenAI maintains that its transition will support its non-profit efforts, focusing resources on charitable initiatives in sectors like healthcare and education.