Elon Musk has dropped fraud charges against OpenAI, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman. The decision came on the eve of the trial scheduled for this Monday. The billionaire reduced the scope of the lawsuit from 26 to just two main allegations.
District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the federal court in Oakland in Califórnia agreed to the request on Friday. The case now focuses on unjust enrichment and breach of fiduciary duty linked to the philanthropic nature of the organization.
Musk founded OpenAI in 2015
The entrepreneur participated in the creation of OpenAI alongside Sam Altman and others in 2015. Ele left the board in 2018. The company gained global prominence with ChatGPT and attracted billion-dollar investments, including from Microsoft.
Musk alleges that OpenAI has strayed from its original mission as a non-profit organization. The company received resources from Microsoft and advanced with a restructuring to a for-profit model. Isso would pave the way to raise more capital and even go public on the stock exchange.
OpenAI completed this change months ago. In February, the company rejected an offer from Musk to acquire assets for $97.4 billion.
Juíza approves case simplification
The judge authorized the withdrawal of the fraud charges. Musk argued that the measure would speed up the process and keep jurors focused on the central issues.
OpenAI responded two weeks ago. The company classified the proposal as a last-minute surprise and a legal ambush. Altman, Brockman and Microsoft deny wrongdoing and consider the allegations unfounded.
- The original process was filed in November 2024
- Musk seeks US$134 billion in compensation, equivalent to around R$670 billion
- The amount would be directed to OpenAI’s philanthropic arm
- Ele calls for restoration of non-profit status
- Além furthermore requires the removal of Altman and Brockman from their positions
Julgamento starts with jury selection
Jury selection is scheduled for this Monday on Oakland. The trial will take place in two phases. In the first, the jury will issue an advisory verdict, which will not be binding. On Monday, the judge will decide on the requested measures.
Musk founded xAI in 2023. The company acts as a direct competitor to OpenAI in the artificial intelligence sector.
What’s at stake in court
The heart of the dispute involves OpenAI’s initial commitment to developing artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity. Musk donated millions of dollars in the early years based on this promise.
OpenAI argues that it evolved to meet market demands. The company denies any deviation that constitutes a breach of duty. The case attracts attention because it involves central figures in the technology sector and high values.
Detalhes from the lawsuit
Musk maintains high compensation claim. Ele wants the proceeds to benefit the original philanthropic mission. Dropping fraud charges reduces the risk of wider debates about malicious intent.
Advogados of the parties prepare arguments for the initial stages. Califórnia federal court has been following the case since the beginning.
The dispute reflects tensions in the artificial intelligence ecosystem. Empresas compete for technological leadership while debating governance models and long-term goals.