Elon Musk Wanted OpenAI to Go Commercial, Greg Brockman Testifies

The New York Times reports that OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman testified in court that Elon Musk had wanted OpenAI to pursue a commercial path.

This testimony adds a critical dimension to the legal dispute between Musk and OpenAI. Musk, as a co-founder, had publicly criticized OpenAI’s shift to a for-profit model, claiming it strayed from its original mission. However, Brockman’s testimony suggests Musk himself had supported OpenAI’s commercialization.

The Testimony

Brockman took the stand to provide his account of early OpenAI discussions and decision-making. His testimony directly counters Musk’s central claim that OpenAI’s commercialization was not the founding team’s intention.

Broader Implications

The lawsuit centers on OpenAI’s governance structure and business direction. Its outcome could have profound implications for the future development of the AI industry and the commercialization pathways of non-profit research organizations.