OpenAI Subpoenas Meta Over Musk's $97B Takeover Bid

OpenAI has subpoenaed Meta as part of a legal case involving Elon Musk’s reported $97 billion bid to acquire the artificial intelligence firm. The court documents reveal that OpenAI’s legal team has requested documents from Meta related to any potential discussions or collaborations between Musk and Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, that could have influenced the acquisition attempt [1]. OpenAI claims that Meta, or even Zuckerberg personally, may have engaged in backchannel communications with Musk and his AI startup xAI regarding a potential deal or investment in OpenAI [2].

According to the filings, Musk allegedly approached Zuckerberg in early 2025 with a proposal for a joint venture or financial partnership to facilitate the OpenAI acquisition [1]. However, the bid was ultimately rejected by OpenAI’s board. The legal battle has since escalated, with OpenAI seeking a federal court order compelling Meta to provide relevant records. Meta, on the other hand, has argued that the requested information should instead be obtained directly from Musk and xAI, stating that it did not engage in any discussions or sign any agreements regarding the deal [3].

OpenAI is also requesting broader documentation, including anything related to restructuring, recapitalization, or strategic changes at Meta. The court battle is not just about the legality of the proposed acquisition, but also about the broader control and governance of AI technologies. Analysts suggest that Meta’s aggressive push into AI, including its development of in-house models and alleged recruitment of OpenAI engineers, points to a growing rivalry between tech giants in the AI space [2].

Elon Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, has criticized the company’s shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit model, which he believes deviates from its original mission of promoting safe and ethical AI development. His legal team has filed a jury trial request for the spring of 2026, in which they plan to argue that OpenAI’s governance has been compromised by its business strategy [2]. Musk’s legal challenge also highlights tensions over the ownership and direction of AI technologies, particularly in the context of rapidly evolving market dynamics.

Meta has maintained a firm stance on its independent AI development strategy, emphasizing internal innovation and strategic autonomy. Zuckerberg’s refusal to engage in the takeover bid reflects Meta’s broader approach to AI development, which prioritizes self-sufficiency over external partnerships [3]. The company has continued to expand its AI infrastructure and hiring, signaling its long-term commitment to the sector.

The case has drawn attention from industry experts and the public. On social media platforms, discussions have centered around the irony of a potential Musk-Zuckerberg alliance, given their well-known public disputes. Meanwhile, analysts and opinion leaders have debated the broader implications for the AI sector, including concerns over monopolization and the role of regulatory oversight [1]. The outcome could influence how AI is developed and governed in the future, depending on whether the court rules in favor of OpenAI or Musk and xAI [2].

As the legal proceedings continue, stakeholders across the AI industry are closely watching how the courts and public perception will respond. The case is shaping up to be a landmark moment in the evolving landscape of AI governance, with potential far-reaching effects on the strategies of major tech companies [3].

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[1] AI Showdown: OpenAI Calls Out Meta and Musk in $97B ... (https://opentools.ai/news/ai-showdown-openai-calls-out-meta-and-musk-in-dollar97b-legal-tussle)

[2] OpenAI Moves Court To Expose Meta-Musk Collution In ... (https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!technology/openai-moves-court-to-expose-meta-musk-collution-in-usd-97-bn-takeover-bid-enn25082204455)

[3] Elon Musk's $97.4B OpenAI Takeover Bid Hits a Meta ... (https://opentools.ai/news/elon-musks-dollar974b-openai-takeover-bid-hits-a-meta-roadblock)