Musk Moves for Massive Damages Against OpenAI and Microsoft
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has sought up to USD 134 billion in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft, filing a claim in a US federal court. In the court documents, Musk argues that OpenAI accrued substantial financial benefits primarily due to his early financial backing and contributions, and that he is therefore entitled to recover what he describes as the company’s “unjust gains,” according to Reuters.
Musk’s legal team told the court that between 2015 and 2018, he provided nearly 60 percent of OpenAI’s initial funding, amounting to approximately USD 38 million. In addition to financial support, Musk is said to have assisted the organisation by advising on recruitment and business expansion, while also lending his personal reputation to help establish OpenAI’s credibility.
According to Musk’s claim, OpenAI’s valuation rose to between USD 65 billion and USD 109 billion as a direct result of his contributions, while Microsoft benefited by an estimated USD 13 billion to USD 25 billion.
OpenAI, however, has dismissed the lawsuit as “unrealistic” and “harassing,” while Microsoft has also challenged the scale of the compensation being sought. The case is expected to go to trial in April.
DBTech/BMT/OR
