AI Policy & Regulation
1d ago
Jury finds in favor of OpenAI and Sam Altman, dismissing Musk's lawsuit
May 18, 2026
AI Summary
An Oakland jury ruled against Elon Musk in his lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, concluding that the claims of breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment were untimely. The decision may facilitate OpenAI's plans for an initial public offering.
- The jury deliberated for two hours before unanimously ruling in favor of OpenAI and Sam Altman after three weeks of testimony.
- U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers stated that there was substantial evidence supporting the jury's finding, leading to the dismissal of Musk's claims.
- Musk's attorney indicated a potential appeal, but the judge noted challenges due to the statute of limitations.
- Musk's lawsuit sought $150 billion in damages and aimed to revert OpenAI's for-profit structure back to a nonprofit.
- Microsoft, named as a defendant in the suit, also had its claims dismissed by the court.
- Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left the board in 2018, and his lawsuit alleged that OpenAI violated its commitment to remain a nonprofit organization.
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