Jury Tosses Elon Musk’s $150 Billion Lawsuit Against OpenAI

A California jury on Monday rejected Elon Musk’s $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman, concluding the claims were filed too late to be legally acted on. The verdict prevents the damages Musk sought from being awarded.

The trial was held in California. Musk’s complaint alleged Altman and Brockman used their positions at OpenAI to enrich themselves and breached duties to the organization he helped found. Musk sought $150 billion in damages.

Attorneys for both sides presented evidence and arguments about the timing of the complaint and whether the alleged conduct justified the damages Musk requested. Jurors focused on how long Musk waited before bringing the case and concluded the claims were barred by delay, removing the basis for awarding damages.

The ruling ends the specific legal threat posed by this suit and does not resolve broader questions about OpenAI’s governance or its shift from a nonprofit model to an entity with a for-profit arm. OpenAI continues to operate and develop its products amid growing competition in artificial intelligence.

Musk was an early backer of OpenAI and has publicly criticized the company’s direction in recent years. The lawsuit named OpenAI along with Altman and Brockman and centered on alleged improper profit-taking by leaders as the organization changed its structure. No damages will be awarded on the dismissed claims, and other legal or regulatory questions about the company remain separate from this verdict.