Ultraman Testifies in Court Over Musk Lawsuit, Sheds Light on OpenAI Governance Dispute
On May 12, 2026, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appeared in court to address a lawsuit filed by former co-founder Elon Musk concerning the company's governance. Altman firmly rejected Musk's allegation that OpenAI had diverted charitable resources by creating a for-profit arm. He emphasized that the non-profit foundation has evolved into one of the globe's most impactful charities.

The courtroom debate centered on the legitimacy of OpenAI's shift from a non-profit to a for-profit model. Musk's legal team questioned why the OpenAI Foundation, with assets nearing $200 billion, historically operated without dedicated full-time staff. Chairman Bret Taylor clarified that the 2025 restructuring successfully addressed the challenge of generating revenue from these assets. Altman detailed internal disputes during a crucial 2017 funding phase, revealing that Musk's insistence on controlling the company raised serious concerns. Altman testified that Musk once suggested OpenAI should be inherited by his children in the event of his death.
Altman further criticized Musk's leadership approach as ill-suited for a premier research laboratory, citing past demands for large-scale researcher rankings and layoffs that harmed the company's culture. Despite Musk's departure from the board and subsequent founding of xAI following the conflict, evidence indicated Altman continued to update him on progress and extend investment invitations. This trial exposes the fundamental tension between commercial ambitions and non-profit ideals within a leading generative AI firm. The verdict will significantly influence the future governance and legal framework of the AI industry.
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On May 12, 2026, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appeared in court to address a lawsuit filed by former co-founder Elon Musk concerning the company's governance. Altman firmly rejected Musk's allegation that OpenAI had diverted charitable resources by creating a for-profit arm. He emphasized that the non-profit foundation has evolved into one of the globe's most impactful charities.

The courtroom debate centered on the legitimacy of OpenAI's shift from a non-profit to a for-profit model. Musk's legal team questioned why the OpenAI Foundation, with assets nearing $200 billion, historically operated without dedicated full-time staff. Chairman Bret Taylor clarified that the 2025 restructuring successfully addressed the challenge of generating revenue from these assets. Altman detailed internal disputes during a crucial 2017 funding phase, revealing that Musk's insistence on controlling the company raised serious concerns. Altman testified that Musk once suggested OpenAI should be inherited by his children in the event of his death.
Altman further criticized Musk's leadership approach as ill-suited for a premier research laboratory, citing past demands for large-scale researcher rankings and layoffs that harmed the company's culture. Despite Musk's departure from the board and subsequent founding of xAI following the conflict, evidence indicated Altman continued to update him on progress and extend investment invitations. This trial exposes the fundamental tension between commercial ambitions and non-profit ideals within a leading generative AI firm. The verdict will significantly influence the future governance and legal framework of the AI industry.
DeepMind CEO Hassabis: I sleep six hours a day, usually feel energetic around 1 a.m.
Fortune recently featured an interview with Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, revealing his unconventional approach to rest and productivity. Hassabis disclosed that he sleeps very little, structuring his waking hours into two distinct work blo
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Despite recent reports suggesting OpenAI missed revenue targets, creating pressure on tech stocks this Tuesday, private AI lab investors remain resilient. Seasoned backers have confirmed they will not reduce investment despite negative media coverage





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