It has recently become known that the OpenAI startup will still retain a structure that implies the primacy of a non-profit board of directors. However, such a decision will still not satisfy Elon Musk, who has long insisted that OpenAI refuse to turn into a commercial structure. This became known from the words of the American billionaire’s lawyer.
Image source: OpenAI, Levart_Photographer
As noted today, Elon Musk was at the origins of OpenAI, but at a certain point his interests and views diverged from the startup’s management, after which he left it. Since 2019, OpenAI has been operating within a specific business model, which implies the presence of a commercial component, but is managed by a non-profit foundation. At this stage, OpenAI has refused to strengthen the role of the commercial component.
Bloomberg quotes Marc Toberoff, a lawyer representing Elon Musk in this dispute, as saying: “OpenAI’s announcement is a transparent ploy that does not address the underlying issues: charitable assets will continue to be transferred to enrich individuals, including Altman, his investors, and Microsoft.” The partial refusal to restructure OpenAI, according to Musk’s representative, “changes nothing.” As is known, the court previously allowed Musk to continue legally pursuing OpenAI, so given the arguments presented by the billionaire’s lawyer, it can be assumed that the litigation will continue. “The fundamental mission is still betrayed,” Musk’s legal representative commented on his position, explaining that the updated OpenAI restructuring plan is simply aimed at eliminating legal obstacles, but does not correspond to the startup’s original mission, which is to develop AI for the benefit of all humanity.