Musk wanted 90 percent of OpenAI in high-stakes trial, Altman says

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman testified in a landmark trial that Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and co-founder of the artificial intelligence company, sought 90 percent ownership of OpenAI during earlier negotiations over the organization's direction and control.

The high-profile lawsuit, which pits Musk against the company he helped found, is being closely watched across the technology industry. Legal observers say the outcome could have significant consequences for OpenAI's leadership structure and governance at a critical moment, as the company explores a possible initial public offering that would transform it from a nonprofit-rooted organization into a for-profit entity.

Altman's testimony underscores the depth of tensions between OpenAI's founding figures over the company's mission and future. Musk has previously argued publicly that OpenAI has strayed from its original nonprofit mandate to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity, a claim the company has disputed.

The trial is expected to continue as both sides present their cases.