OpenAI’s Mission Shift Sparks Musk’s Lawsuit Seeking Billions Despite His Trillion-Dollar Tesla Pay Package

C. Paul Wazzan’s valuation report determined wrongful gain of between $65.5 billion and $109.4 billion for OpenAI, and $13.3 billion to $25.1 billion for Microsoft. Musk’s team contends that he ought to be compensated in a fashion similar to an early stage financing investor whose original investment in OpenAI has generated nearly $500 billion in value. While the amount of damages being demanded from both OpenAI and Microsoft is staggering, it’s important to note that Musk is already one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet (with a net worth exceeding $700 billion).

Recently, shareholders of Tesla approved a pay package for Musk worth approximately $1 trillion. OpenAI has characterized the lawsuit as a form of “harassment,” and not a legitimate claim for a financial grievance. The case is slated for trial in late April 2020 in Oakland, California.

Musk’s lawsuit highlights the tension between Musk and OpenAI because of the company’s transition away from its original mission as a nonprofit organization. However, given Musk’s enormous fortune, the outcome of this case is likely to be more symbolic than about any actual financial benefit to either party.