Elon Musk is seeking up to $134 billion from OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming he is entitled to “wrongful gains” the companies received from his early support, according to a federal court filing (17/01).

The filing was submitted ahead of a jury trial expected to begin in April in Oakland, California.

Court Filing Details Alleged Financial Gains

Musk said OpenAI gained between $65.5 billion and $109.4 billion from his contributions when he helped co-found the organization in 2015.

Microsoft gained between $13.3 billion and $25.1 billion from Musk’s involvement, the filing said.

Musk Cites Role in OpenAI’s Early Development

The filing states Musk contributed about $38 million, representing 60% of OpenAI’s early seed funding.

It also says he helped recruit staff, connect founders with contacts, and lend credibility to the project.

“Without Elon Musk, there’d be no OpenAI. He provided the bulk of the seed funding, lent his reputation, and taught them all he knows about scaling a business. A pre-eminent expert quantified the value of that,” said Musk’s lead trial lawyer, Steven Molo.

OpenAI and Microsoft Challenge Damages Claims

OpenAI called the demand an “unserious demand” and part of what it described as a “harassment campaign” by Musk.

Microsoft did not respond to a request for comment on the compensation sought, while a company lawyer has said there is no evidence Microsoft “aided and abetted” OpenAI.

Dispute Over Expert Analysis and Potential Penalties

Musk argues that, like early startup investors, he is entitled to gains far exceeding his initial investment.

The filing says Musk’s damages were calculated by his expert witness, financial economist C. Paul Wazzan.

OpenAI and Microsoft asked the judge to limit the expert’s testimony, calling the analysis “made up,” “unverifiable,” and “unprecedented,” and disputing the damages figures as unreliable.

The filing also states Musk may seek punitive damages and other penalties, including a possible injunction, if either company is found liable.

PHOTO: DUNYA.COM

This article was created with AI assistance.

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