OpenAI has issued a warning to its investors and banking partners regarding the upcoming trial involving Elon Musk, scheduled for April 2026. The company cautioned that Musk may present “deliberately outlandish” claims during the proceedings, which arise from a lawsuit he filed against OpenAI in 2024.
Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, was part of the organization when it was established in 2015 as a nonprofit focused on advancing artificial intelligence. After departing from the board in 2018, he has since alleged that he was misled about the company”s shift towards a for-profit model. His lawsuit contends that he is entitled to billions in compensation for his intellectual contributions, based on his initial financial support of $38 million.
In a letter sent to stakeholders on January 15, 2026, OpenAI aimed to manage investor anxieties ahead of the trial. The company expressed confidence in its legal position, asserting strong defenses against Musk”s claims. OpenAI maintains that the lawsuit is baseless and believes that the claims Musk makes are likely to be inflated and not grounded in reality.
The lawsuit has unveiled significant developments, with Musk arguing that he was deceived regarding the transformation of OpenAI into a for-profit entity. He cited concerns about a “opaque web of for-profit OpenAI affiliates,” particularly in relation to the partnership with Microsoft.
OpenAI has raised substantial funding from various venture capitalists, with its valuation recently reported at $500 billion. This context amplifies the stakes involved in the legal battle, as Musk”s claims could have far-reaching implications for the company”s future and its investors.
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ruled that the case will proceed to trial, emphasizing the gravity of the situation for both Musk and OpenAI. The outcome of this lawsuit will not only affect the parties involved but could also send ripples through the broader tech and AI industry.
