Tue Feb 04 22:09:06 UTC 2025: ## Musk’s OpenAI Lawsuit Headed for Trial: Judge Orders Tesla CEO to Testify
**Oakland, CA** – A federal judge has ruled that portions of Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI will proceed to trial, forcing the Tesla CEO to take the stand and defend his claims. US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers announced the decision Tuesday, stating that a jury will ultimately decide the merits of the case.
The lawsuit stems from a long-running feud between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 before departing, alleges that the company deviated from its original non-profit mission focused on benefiting humanity, instead prioritizing profit. He filed suit last year, later adding antitrust claims, and recently sought a preliminary injunction to halt OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit entity.
OpenAI counters that the for-profit conversion is necessary to secure funding for advanced AI development. The company has pointed to Musk’s own past support for such a move and argues he should compete in the marketplace, not the courtroom. The stakes are high, with OpenAI’s recent $6.6 billion funding round and a potential $25 billion investment from SoftBank contingent upon the restructuring.
Judge Rogers’ decision marks a significant escalation in the dispute. The unusual nature of a venture capital-backed non-profit converting to for-profit status has also drawn scrutiny, with Meta Platforms and Delaware’s attorney general expressing concerns. The trial will delve into the details of a 2017 internal power struggle at OpenAI, revealing emails that show Musk’s ambition to lead the company and his subsequent frustration. The case promises a high-profile courtroom battle between two titans of the technology industry.
First Piper 