OAKLAND, Calif. — Elon Musk’s long-running legal battle with Sam Altman and OpenAI officially reached the courtroom Monday as jury selection began in a federal case that could reshape the artificial intelligence industry and determine billions of dollars in potential damages.

The high-profile civil trial, Musk v. Altman, centers on Musk’s allegations that Altman, OpenAI President Greg Brockman and the company betrayed OpenAI’s founding mission as a nonprofit dedicated to benefiting humanity. Musk claims the shift toward a for-profit model enriched Altman and others at the expense of the original charter he helped establish.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is presiding over the case in Oakland federal court. Jury selection started Monday morning, with opening arguments expected Tuesday. The liability phase is projected to last through mid-May, followed by a remedies phase if Musk prevails. Musk is seeking damages estimated between $79 billion and $134 billion, which he has pledged to donate to charity if successful.

Core Allegations and Defense

Musk’s lawsuit accuses Altman and Brockman of breaching a charitable trust, unjust enrichment and other claims stemming from OpenAI’s transition to a capped-profit structure and its multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft. He argues he was misled when contributing early funding and resources, believing the organization would remain open-source and nonprofit.

OpenAI and Altman strongly deny the claims, portraying Musk’s suit as an attempt to hinder a competitor to his own xAI venture. They argue OpenAI’s evolution was necessary to attract talent and capital required to compete in the rapidly advancing AI field, and that Musk himself proposed for-profit elements in early discussions.

In a pretrial ruling last week, Judge Gonzalez Rogers dismissed Musk’s fraud claims at his own request to streamline the case, but allowed the core breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment allegations to proceed to trial. Several other claims had been dismissed earlier.

High-Profile Witnesses Expected

The trial promises dramatic testimony from Silicon Valley’s biggest names. Musk, Altman, Brockman and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella are all expected to take the stand. Former OpenAI executives, including onetime CTO Mira Murati, may also testify. The proceedings will delve into private emails, texts and founding documents that reveal the often messy personal and professional dynamics behind OpenAI’s creation in 2015.

Court filings already released have exposed colorful and sometimes unflattering details, including internal disagreements and strategic maneuvers. The case has captivated the tech world as a proxy battle for the soul of artificial intelligence development.

Broader Stakes for AI Industry

The outcome could have significant implications beyond the personal feud. A victory for Musk might force OpenAI to restructure or pay massive restitution, potentially slowing its commercial ambitions. A win for OpenAI would validate its current hybrid model and strengthen its position against rivals like xAI, Anthropic and Google.

Legal experts describe the case as complex, blending contract law, fiduciary duties and questions about charitable missions in rapidly evolving tech sectors. The nine-person jury will face the challenge of weighing technical details against broader ethical arguments about AI safety and profit motives.

History of the Feud

The dispute traces back to OpenAI’s founding, when Musk served as a co-founder and initial funder alongside Altman and others. Musk left the board in 2018 amid disagreements over direction and later launched xAI as a direct competitor focused on “understanding the universe.” He has repeatedly criticized OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft and its closed-source approach.

This marks Musk’s latest attempt at litigation. Previous suits were withdrawn or partially dismissed, but the current federal case survived key challenges and is headed for a full jury trial.

Public and Industry Reaction

The trial has drawn intense media attention and social media commentary. Supporters of Musk view it as a stand against corporate capture of AI, while Altman’s backers see it as sour grapes from a rival. Tech executives are watching closely, with many expressing private concern about the precedent it could set for governance in fast-moving industries.

Both sides have spent heavily on legal teams, with high-powered attorneys on display in pretrial hearings. The case is expected to generate weeks of headlines as witnesses testify and private communications become public record.

What Happens Next

After jury selection, the trial moves quickly into substantive arguments. The schedule calls for court sessions Monday through Thursday, aiming to conclude the liability phase by mid-May. If the jury finds in Musk’s favor on any claims, Judge Gonzalez Rogers will then determine appropriate remedies in a separate phase.

Regardless of the final verdict, the proceedings are likely to expose more internal workings of OpenAI and the personal rivalries shaping the AI race. For Musk and Altman — two of the most influential figures in technology — the courtroom battle represents the culmination of years of public and private tension.

As jury selection continues Monday, all eyes in Silicon Valley and beyond remain fixed on the Oakland courthouse, where the future direction of one of the world’s most valuable and consequential companies may be decided.

LONDON — Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe made history Sunday by becoming the first athlete to break the two-hour marathon barrier in an official race, clocking an astonishing 1:59:30 to win the 2026 TCS London Marathon and etch his name permanently into the sport’s record books.

The 31-year-old defended his title on the fast, flat London course in ideal cool and calm conditions, surging away in the final miles to shatter the previous world record and deliver one of the greatest performances in distance running history. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo took third in 2:00:28 — producing the deepest men’s marathon field ever assembled.

“This is unbelievable. I came here to make history,” Sawe said moments after crossing the finish line on The Mall, his face a mix of exhaustion and pure joy. “The pacemakers were perfect, the crowd carried me. Running under two hours in a real race — this is something I dreamed about since I was a boy.”

Sawe’s performance eclipsed the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago in 2023. It also bettered his own London course record from 2025. The victory marks his fifth consecutive marathon win and solidifies his status as the undisputed king of the distance.

Perfect Conditions Fuel Record Attempt

Organizers could not have asked for better weather. Temperatures hovered in the low 50s Fahrenheit with light winds — textbook conditions for fast times on the point-to-point course that starts in Blackheath and finishes in front of Buckingham Palace. More than 59,000 runners participated in the 46th edition of the world’s most iconic mass-participation marathon.

A large pack stayed together through the halfway mark in just over 59 minutes before accelerations began whittling it down. Sawe made his decisive move after 35 kilometers, dropping all but Kejelcha and Kiplimo. The final 7 kilometers became a masterclass in pacing and mental strength as Sawe pulled away to etch his name alongside legends like Eliud Kipchoge.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defended her title in commanding fashion, clocking 2:15:41 to break her own women-only world record. Kenya’s Hellen Obiri took second in 2:15:53, with Joyciline Jepkosgei earning bronze in 2:15:55. All three dipped under 2:16, highlighting extraordinary depth on the women’s side.

A Meteoric Rise

Sawe’s journey from rural Kenya’s Rift Valley to marathon immortality has been remarkably swift. After excelling on the track and in half marathons, he made his full marathon debut in Valencia in 2024 with a stunning 2:02:05 — the second-fastest debut ever. He then won London in 2025 and Berlin later that year before delivering Sunday’s historic performance.

Trained by Italian coach Claudio Berardelli, Sawe blends traditional Kenyan high-altitude training with modern sports science. His tactical intelligence, devastating surges and mental toughness have become trademarks. Rivals now openly acknowledge he has raised the ceiling of what is possible in the marathon.

Significance of the Sub-2 Breakthrough

While exhibition races had previously seen times under two hours, Sawe’s 1:59:30 is the first ratified performance under the barrier in a legitimate competition with verified timing, doping controls and World Athletics rules. It validates years of progress in training methods, nutrition, shoe technology and pacing strategies.

Sports scientists say the achievement represents a new era. The psychological barrier of two hours had stood for decades. Sawe’s run proves human limits continue expanding, much as Roger Bannister’s sub-four-minute mile did in 1954.

British and Wheelchair Highlights

British interest centered on strong showings from home athletes. Mahamed Mahamed led the British men in 10th overall with 2:06:14, while Eilish McColgan was the top British woman in seventh. In the wheelchair races, Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner claimed her fourth London title.

Looking Ahead

Sawe’s victory caps a remarkable rise and sets a new standard for the marathon. Eyes now turn to future Abbott World Marathon Majors and the Olympics. With his perfect record and the two-hour barrier broken, the Kenyan star appears poised for further dominance.

For the tens of thousands who ran London on Sunday, the day will be remembered as the moment the impossible became reality on one of running’s grandest stages. Sawe’s 1:59:30 run will be debated and celebrated for years to come — proof that barriers exist to be broken when talent, preparation and courage align perfectly.

As the sun set on The Mall and finishers continued streaming across the line, the 2026 London Marathon entered the history books as the day distance running took its boldest leap forward yet.