OpenAI CEO Fights Musk’s Takeover Bid in Ongoing Legal Battle
In a dramatic turn of events in the tech world, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has filed a request with a federal judge to consider Elon Musk’s recent takeover bid letter as evidence in their ongoing legal dispute. The move comes as Altman resists Musk’s attempts to acquire the artificial intelligence company.
The legal battle between Musk and Altman has been raging for a year, centered on OpenAI’s transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit model. Altman’s latest court filing, made with US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in California, aims to use Musk’s actions against him.
Altman’s attorney, Jordan Eth, argues that Musk’s $97.5 billion takeover bid, made alongside investors Antonio Gracias and Gavin Baker, directly contradicts his legal claims against OpenAI’s for-profit shift. The letter proposing the acquisition has been attached as an exhibit in the court filing.
“Mr. Musk’s actions outside of court are inconsistent with his legal stance,” Altman’s team asserts in the filing. They suggest that Musk’s bid reveals his desire to benefit economically from acquiring OpenAI, contrary to his lawsuit’s claims.
Emphasizing OpenAI’s position, Altman stated firmly that the company is “not for sale.” This declaration comes as Altman actively opposes Musk’s request to halt OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit entity.
Musk’s legal team has not responded to requests for comment on this latest development. However, Musk has previously indicated he would withdraw the bid if OpenAI remains a nonprofit organization.
The dispute between Musk and OpenAI traces back to the company’s nonprofit origins and competitive practices. Earlier filings in the case accuse Musk of lacking factual support for his claims against OpenAI.
As this high-stakes legal battle continues to unfold, it highlights the complex interplay between nonprofit ideals and for-profit ambitions in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. The tech industry watches closely as two of its most prominent figures clash over the future of one of AI’s leading companies.
