Openai executives believe that Microsoft, the company's leading supporter, is accusing Microsoft of anti-competitive behaviour in the partnership, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing people familiar with the issue.
Openai's efforts could involve a federal regulatory review of terms and conditions with Microsoft for potential violations of antitrust laws, as well as a public campaign, the report said.
Such a move could unravel one of the most important technological partnerships in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence.
“The talk is ongoing and we are optimistic that we will continue to build together for years to come,” representatives from both companies told WSJ in a joint statement.
Openai requires Microsoft approval to complete the migration to Public-Benefit Corporation. However, the two were unable to agree to the details after months of negotiations, sources said.
Sources say companies are discussing revisions to Microsoft's investment terms.
Separately, Openai reported that Microsoft wanted Microsoft to hold a 33% stake in the reconstructed unit in exchange for a positive right to future profits.
The owner of CHATGPT wants to change existing terms that provide Microsoft with exclusive rights to host Openai models in the cloud.
Microsoft has not agreed to Openai's proposed terms and information says it is seeking additional concessions from the startup.
The companies did not comment on reports from the WSJ or information.
Microsoft invested $1 billion in Openai in 2019 to support the development of AI Technologies on the Azure Cloud platform.
But since then, Openai has been looking for ways to reduce its dependence on high-tech heavyweights. The company is planning to add Alphabet's Google Cloud Service to meet the growing need for computing capabilities, Reuters reported earlier this month.
