Musk vs. Altman trial could redefine OpenAI’s future

A four-week federal civil trial in Oakland pits Elon Musk against Sam Altman over OpenAI’s shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit structure, with Musk alleging betrayal and seeking up to $134 billion in restitution; Altman argues Musk left the project and that the for-profit model was necessary to raise capital. The case could upend OpenAI’s governance and affect the trajectory of ChatGPT amid fierce AI competition, with high-profile testimony expected (including Satya Nadella) and an advisory jury; the judge will determine liability and remedies.