Elon Musk Pursues $134B in Funding from OpenAI and Microsoft

Elon Musk is pursuing substantial financial compensation from OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging he is entitled to “wrongful gains” from his early support. A recent court filing indicates he seeks up to $134 billion from both companies.

Musk’s Financial Claims Against OpenAI and Microsoft

According to Musk, OpenAI reaped between $65.5 billion and $109.4 billion due to his contributions while co-founding the organization in 2015. He claims Microsoft benefited as well, with estimated gains of $13.3 billion to $25.1 billion.

Details from the Court Filing

• Musk argues that his seed funding constituted about $38 million, representing 60% of OpenAI’s early financing.
• He alleges that he significantly contributed to recruiting talent and establishing crucial connections.
• Musk’s legal team asserts that he played a vital role in lending credibility to the project.

Currently, Musk’s lawsuit is characterized by OpenAI as part of a “harassment campaign.” The organization dismissed his demands as “unserious.” Furthermore, Microsoft has not provided comments regarding Musk’s compensation claims.

Legal Proceedings

A judge in Oakland, California, has allowed the trial, expected to commence in April. Musk’s claims are bolstered by expert analyses from financial economist C. Paul Wazzan, who calculated the financial benefits accruing to both companies from Musk’s involvement.

Furthermore, Musk may seek punitive damages and other penalties if the jury finds either company liable for his claims. His lawyers argue that the gains secured by OpenAI and Microsoft far exceed his original contributions.

Responses from OpenAI and Microsoft

• OpenAI has described Musk’s lawsuit as “baseless.”
• A Microsoft lawyer stated that there is no evidence of wrongdoing on their part concerning OpenAI.

OpenAI and Microsoft have also challenged Musk’s expert witness’s findings, arguing that the analysis is “unverifiable” and “implausible.” They seek to limit the presentation of this analysis during the trial.

As the legal battle unfolds, the implications for the involved parties and the future relationship between Musk, OpenAI, and Microsoft remain uncertain. Filmogaz.com will continue to provide updates on this significant case.