Musk says he missed OpenAI for-profit details
Elon Musk testified in court that he did not read the “fine print” of a 2017 term sheet discussing OpenAI’s potential shift toward a for-profit structure, during ongoing litigation over the company’s evolution.
Under cross-examination, Musk said he focused only on headline-level information and believed assurances from Sam Altman and others that OpenAI would remain fundamentally nonprofit. OpenAI’s legal team presented emails suggesting Musk had earlier exposure to internal discussions around commercialization.
Musk’s lawsuit seeks governance changes, a return to nonprofit principles and $150 billion in damages, arguing OpenAI abandoned its founding mission. OpenAI counters that restructuring was necessary to secure capital for computing power and talent.
The trial could significantly influence OpenAI’s governance, public perception and future IPO trajectory.