July 29 (Reuters) - Microsoft ( MSFT ) is in advanced
talks for a deal that would give the Windows maker continued
access to critical OpenAI technology in the future, Bloomberg
News reported on Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the
negotiations.
The companies have discussed new terms that would allow
Microsoft ( MSFT ) to use OpenAI's latest models and technology even if
the ChatGPT maker declares it has achieved artificial general
intelligence (AGI), or AI that surpasses human intelligence, the
report said.
A clause in OpenAI's current contract with Microsoft ( MSFT ) will
shut the software giant out of some rights to the startup's
advanced technology when it achieves AGI.
Negotiators have been meeting regularly, and an agreement
could come together in a matter of weeks, Bloomberg News
reported.
Microsoft ( MSFT ) and OpenAI did not immediately respond to a
Reuters request for comment.
OpenAI needs Microsoft's ( MSFT ) approval to complete its transition
into a public-benefit corporation. The two have been in
negotiations for months to revise the terms of their investment,
including the future equity stake Microsoft ( MSFT ) will hold in OpenAI.
Last month, The Information reported that Microsoft ( MSFT ) and
OpenAI were at odds over the AGI clause.
OpenAI is also facing a lawsuit from Elon Musk, who
co-founded the company with Sam Altman in 2015 but left before
it surged in popularity, accusing OpenAI of straying from its
founding mission - to develop AI for the good of humanity, not
corporate profit.
Microsoft ( MSFT ) is set to report June quarter earnings on
Wednesday, with its
relationship with OpenAI
in the spotlight, as the startup turns to rivals Google
, Oracle and CoreWeave ( CRWV ) for cloud
capacity.