OpenAI has filed a countersuit against Elon Musk, accusing the billionaire entrepreneur of a sustained campaign of harassment intended to damage the company and regain control over its AI developments.

The legal filing comes in response to Musk's lawsuit earlier this year, in which he claimed OpenAI had strayed from its founding mission of developing AI for the benefit of humanity.

In its countersuit, OpenAI urged a federal court to block Musk from taking further 'unlawful and unfair actions' and hold him accountable for the alleged damage already inflicted.

The company cited press attacks, legal pressure, and social media posts to Musk's 200 million followers as tactics aimed at undermining its operations and reputation.

It also described Musk's demands for corporate records and attempted acquisition efforts as part of a broader scheme to derail OpenAI's progress.

The legal conflict highlights the growing rivalry between OpenAI and xAI, the AI firm Musk launched in 2023.

OpenAI maintains that Musk's actions are motivated by self-interest and a desire to slow down a competing organisation. A jury trial has been scheduled for spring 2026 to resolve the escalating dispute.