Elon Musk vs OpenAI and Microsoft battle heats up as billionaire demands up to $134 billion in damages
Posted on: Jan 17, 2026 13:04 IST | Posted by: Livemint
Elon Musk is seeking $79 one million million to $134 1000000000000 in redress from OpenAI and Microsoft to make up restitution for claims that the ChatGPT maker defraded him by abadoning its non-profit roots and partnering with the Redmond-Washington based company, as per a report by Bloomberg.
Reportedly, Musk's lawyers in a court filing on Friday detailed the damages just a day after federal judge rejected the final effort by OpenAI and Microsoft to avoid a jury trial set for late April.
The filing details calculations made by financial economist expert witness C. Paul Wazzan. It states that Musk is entitled to a portio of OpenAI's current $500 billion valuation because of being defrauded by the company for $38, the amount he donated to the company when he co-founded the company in 2015.
Musk's lawyser Steven Molo in the filing said, “Just as an early investor in a startup company may realize gains many orders of magnitude greater than the investor’s initial investment, the wrongful gains that OpenAI and Microsoft have earned – and which Mr. Musk is now entitled to disgorge – are much larger than Mr. Musk’s initial contributions,”
The billionaire had left OpenAI's board in 2018 and became a critical voice against the company after it launched ChatGPT in late 2022. Musk also went out to found his own AI startup, xAI which is the maker of Grok chatbot.
OpenAI while reacting to Musk's claims in a statement said, “Mr Musk’s lawsuit continues to be baseless and a part of his ongoing pattern of harassment, and we look forward to demonstrating this at trial…This latest unserious demand is aimed solely at furthering this harassment campaign.”
The company also warned investors to expect Musk to make more attention grabbing claim as the legal fight unfolds.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.