Elon Musk, a billionaire known for his frequent and often aggressive use of the legal system, has found his next targets: Apple and OpenAI. His AI startup, xAI, has filed a sweeping lawsuit against the two tech giants, adding another high-profile case to Musk’s extensive history of litigation.
The lawsuit accuses the companies of engaging in an anticompetitive “conspiracy” through their partnership to integrate ChatGPT into Apple’s products. This move, according to the complaint, is designed to create a monopoly that unfairly disadvantages competitors like Musk’s own Grok chatbot. The suit seeks to nullify the deal and demands billions in damages.
This legal action is consistent with Musk’s broader strategy of using the courts to fight his corporate and personal battles. It is the latest in a series of lawsuits he has filed against OpenAI since his departure, reflecting his deep-seated opposition to the company’s current direction under CEO Sam Altman.
OpenAI’s response directly referenced this history, calling the filing “consistent with Mr Musk’s ongoing pattern of harassment.” They are effectively arguing that this is not a meritorious legal claim, but just another chapter in the litigious saga of their disgruntled co-founder. The case highlights Musk’s willingness to engage in high-stakes legal warfare against his biggest rivals.