Jun 11, 2024 - Technology

Elon Musk withdraws lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman

Jacob Knutson

Elon Musk speaking in Beverly Hills, California, in May 2024. — Musk speaking in Beverly Hills, California, in May 2024. Photo: Apu Gomes/Getty Images

Elon Musk moved to dismiss his breach of contract lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman after accusing them of abandoning the company's founding agreement to pursue AI research for the good of humanity rather than profit.

Why it matters: The withdrawal ends a months-long legal battle between Musk and the company he co-founded in 2015 but left after a disagreement over control of the company.

The latest: It comes a day after Musk criticized an announced partnership between Apple and OpenAI in string of tweets.

What's inside: In a filing Tuesday, Musk's attorneys did not give a reason for dropping the lawsuit, according to Reuters.

A San Francisco Superior Court judge had been set to hear OpenAI's attempt to dismiss the lawsuit at a hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

The big picture: The legal feud saw the release of a series of Musk's emails that showed him agreeing with the company's plan to raise more money and move away from open-source releases of its products.

Go deeper: Why Musk is likely the most important business player in U.S. politics right now

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Elon Musk withdraws lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman

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