Musk-Altman feud: OpenAI trial set to face jury in Oakland

Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman and other former leaders goes before a jury in Oakland this week, centering on allegations that the company departed from its original non‑profit mission.

In recent pretrial moves, Musk voluntarily dropped certain fraud claims, and a U.S. district judge allowed the case to proceed on counts including breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment. Jury selection was scheduled to begin on April 27, 2026, with opening arguments to follow, according to court notices.

Microsoft’s role in OpenAI’s financing and equity structure figures prominently in the litigation, with allegations that commercial investors benefited from the firm’s restructuring. Reports indicate Musk has sought substantial damages — figures cited in reporting have reached as high as $150 billion — and asked that any recovery be directed to OpenAI’s charitable arm.

The trial comes as OpenAI is discussed as a potential public company with media estimates of very high valuations; such stakes amplify the strategic and financial significance of the case. Observers note the dispute highlights tensions between mission‑driven non‑profit governance and venture capital‑backed commercialization in the fast‑moving AI sector.

Legal analysts and market watchers say the case could set precedents for how courts treat conversions from non‑profit to for‑profit structures and the duties of founders and investors. The outcome may influence governance expectations for AI firms and affect investor sentiment toward major stakeholders involved in the sector.