June 16 (Reuters) - OpenAI executives have considered

accusing Microsoft ( MSFT ), the company's major backer, of

anticompetitive behavior in their partnership, the Wall Street

Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the

matter.

OpenAI's effort could involve seeking a federal regulatory

review of the terms of its contract with Microsoft ( MSFT ) for potential

violations of antitrust law, as well as a public campaign, the

report said.

Such a move could unravel one of the most pivotal tech

partnerships in the fast-growing field of artificial

intelligence.

"Talks are ongoing and we are optimistic we will continue to

build together for years to come," representatives for the two

companies told the WSJ in a joint statement.

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,

sources said.

The companies are discussing revising the terms of

Microsoft's ( MSFT ) investment, including the future equity stake it

will hold in OpenAI, according to the sources.

Separately, The Information reported that OpenAI wants

Microsoft ( MSFT ) to hold a 33% stake in a restructured unit in exchange

for foregoing rights to future profits, citing a person who

spoke to OpenAI executives.

The ChatGPT owner wants to modify existing clauses that

gives Microsoft ( MSFT ) exclusive rights to host OpenAI models in its

cloud, the report added.

Microsoft ( MSFT ) has not agreed to OpenAI's proposed terms and is

reportedly seeking additional concessions from the startup,

according to The Information.

Both companies did not comment on the reports from the WSJ

and The Information.

Microsoft ( MSFT ) invested $1 billion in OpenAI in 2019 to support

the startup's development of AI technologies on its Azure cloud

platform.

Since then, however, OpenAI has been looking for ways to

reduce its reliance on the tech heavyweight. The company plans

to add Alphabet's Google Cloud service to meet its

growing needs for computing capacity, Reuters reported earlier

this month.