Musk and Altman face off in trial that will determine OpenAI's future

A hotly anticipated trial begins this week as Elon Musk attempts to prove that OpenAI, under Sam Altman, has abandoned its original nonprofit mission to ensure AI serves humanity, not billionaires. The lawsuit, viewed by many as a grudge match between the two tech titans, could radically reshape the AI landscape. If Musk wins, OpenAI's for-profit expansion plans could be halted, and Altman and president Greg Brockman might be removed as officers. If Altman wins, critics fear OpenAI may drift further from its altruistic roots, echoing Google's abandonment of its "Don't be evil" motto. Jury selection starts Monday, but US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will make the final decisions on liability and remedies.

OpenAI has dismissed the lawsuit as a jealous bid to derail a competitor, accusing Musk of harassment while his own AI firm, xAI, races to catch up. Musk, who donated to OpenAI early on, has pledged any damages to OpenAI's nonprofit arm, positioning himself as the champion of AI safety. Key evidence includes thousands of internal documents and a 2017 diary entry by Brockman, who wrote, "This is the only chance we have to get out from Elon," questioning whether Musk should be CEO. The trial's outcome will determine whether OpenAI can maintain its dual structure or must pivot entirely, with implications for the entire AI industry's governance and funding models.