The first stage of the "Mask vs. Altman" process is complete—now it has been handed over to the jury.

The “Mask vs. Altman” trial moves to the next stage

On the day before, attorneys for Elon Mask and representatives of OpenAI presented their closing arguments to the jury, concluding the first round of proceedings in the case alleging a breach of the non‑profit status of an artificial intelligence startup.

Who will hear the case?
* The jury – nine people (six women and three men) will begin the session on May 18.
* Their decision will be *recommending*: the final ruling is made by Judge Ivonne González‑Rojas.

What happened in 2024?
Mask filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, its CEO Sam Altman, and President Greg Brockman.

He claims they violated a promise to maintain the company’s non‑profit status and illegally enriched themselves. In 2015 Mask was a co‑founder of OpenAI along with Altman and Brockman; according to him, as a result of their actions he lost about $38 million, which were given to the fund.

Arguments of the parties
Mask’s attorneys
OpenAI’s attorneys

1. The company did not disclose its source code and did not prioritize AI safety.
2. Investors (Altman, Brockman, Microsoft) enriched themselves at Mask’s expense.

1. Altman and Brockman never gave Mask any promises about the company structure.
2. Microsoft, as the main investor, was unaware of attempts to change OpenAI’s status and did not participate in them.

What comes next?
* Monday – opening of the second phase: discussion of possible damages compensation.

* The judge will hear arguments regarding losses and further actions if the defendants are found guilty. The jury does not make decisions at this stage.

* Mask asks the court to:

* remove Altman and Brockman from their positions at OpenAI;
* cancel the company’s recapitalization carried out in 2025.

He also demands compensation of $134 million from OpenAI and Microsoft as “unlawful profits” and wants all illegally obtained profit directed to OpenAI’s non‑profit fund.

How is the trial conducted?
Judge González‑Rojas was strict about legal tricks but maintained a friendly atmosphere: she once offered the jury chocolate. At the end of the session, she reminded everyone of the upcoming lunch for participants.

Thus, the “Mask vs. Altman” case moves to the next stage, where damages compensation and possible sanctions against OpenAI’s leadership will be decided.