For the past two weeks, a courtroom in downtown Oakland has hosted a clash between Elon Musk, the world's richest man, and OpenAI, one of the most valuable startups, over the future of artificial intelligence. The trial has drawn crowds of AI doomers, influencers, law students and reporters, all vying for one of 30 seats in the courtroom.
The case centres on Musk's accusation that Sam Altman and Greg Brockman deceived him by founding OpenAI as a non-profit in 2015 and later converting it to a for-profit company. Musk claims they used his investment to enrich themselves unjustly. OpenAI has dismissed the lawsuit as a 'public attack' motivated by jealousy.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, known for running a tight ship, has chastised lawyers for leading witnesses and raising meritless objections. When Musk complained about a leading question, the judge told him to 'tell the jury you're not a lawyer'. Musk replied, 'I did take Law 101', prompting laughter.
Spectators have endured long queues before sunrise, with accusations of line-cutting common. Musk and Altman enter through a private entrance, while photographers capture them going through security. On the first day, Musk's belt set off the metal detector twice.
The trial has offered glimpses of the world's wealthiest individuals suffering common indignities. Despite the high stakes, the judge has maintained order, reminding the jury to be fair even though nearly all admitted negative feelings about Musk.
