OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Elon Musk’s legal team clashed with OpenAI in court on Tuesday as a federal judge considered the billionaire’s plea for an injunction to prevent the transformation of the ChatGPT creator into a for-profit entity. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers noted Musk’s claim of potential irreparable harm without her intervention was a “stretch.” However, she expressed apprehensions about OpenAI’s ties to Microsoft, indicating the case could proceed to trial in the near future for a jury decision.
Musk, an early investor and board member of OpenAI, filed a lawsuit last year alleging the organization deviated from its non-profit mission. The legal dispute intensified with Musk’s recent claims and additions to the lawsuit, targeting OpenAI, Microsoft, and tech figure Reid Hoffman. Judge Gonzalez Rogers, who has presided over tech-related cases including Apple vs. Epic Games, acknowledged the complexity of Musk’s injunction request but has yet to render a decision.
The lawsuit stems from a 2017 internal conflict within OpenAI, with Musk vying for a leadership role. The crux of the matter lies in differing visions for the organization, particularly regarding the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Musk’s concerns about the implications of advanced AI on humanity have been a focal point of the dispute. OpenAI contends that Musk’s legal actions could hinder its operations and align with his personal interests, refuting his claims as legally unfounded.
The court hearing, postponed due to Musk’s attorney’s wildfire-related circumstances, signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga between Musk and OpenAI. As the case unfolds, the fate of OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit model hangs in the balance, with broader implications for the future of AI development and governance.
Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta Platforms, has requested California’s attorney general to intervene and prevent it. Meanwhile, the office of Delaware’s attorney general has disclosed that they are currently evaluating the conversion process. O’Brien was the correspondent reporting from Providence, Rhode Island. The Associated Press and OpenAI have established a licensing and technology agreement which grants OpenAI access to a portion of AP’s text archives.