June 25 (Reuters) - Microsoft ( MSFT ) and OpenAI are at

odds over a contractual provision related to artificial general

intelligence, The Information reported on Wednesday.

Under the current terms, when OpenAI achieves AGI,

Microsoft's ( MSFT ) access to such a technology would be void. Microsoft ( MSFT )

wants OpenAI to remove that clause but so far OpenAI has

refused, the report said.

The report comes at a time when one of the most pivotal

partnerships in the field of AI is under strain.

OpenAI needs Microsoft's ( MSFT ) approval to complete its transition

into a public-benefit corporation. But the two have not been

able to agree on details even after months of negotiations,

according to sources.

Microsoft ( MSFT ) partnered with OpenAI in 2019, investing $1

billion to support the startup's development of AI technologies

on its Azure cloud platform.

The companies did not immediately respond to Reuters

requests for comment. In multiple statements addressing recent

media speculation, both have said that discussions are ongoing

and they remain optimistic about a long-term partnership.