Microsoft is prepared to abandon its high-stakes negotiations with OpenAI regarding their future alliance, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday. The tech giant has considered pausing discussions with the ChatGPT maker if they cannot agree on crucial matters such as Microsoft’s future stake in OpenAI. According to the report, Microsoft plans to rely on its existing commercial contract to maintain access to OpenAI’s technology until 2030.
The companies have been discussing revising the terms of Microsoft’s investment, including its future equity stake in OpenAI. OpenAI executives have considered accusing Microsoft of anticompetitive behavior in their deal, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. Both companies stated, “Talks are ongoing and we are optimistic we will continue to build together for years to come.”
Microsoft’s multi-billion dollar investments in OpenAI have positioned it as a leading player in the artificial intelligence space. OpenAI requires approval from Microsoft, its major backer, to complete its transition into a public-benefit corporation, which it believes will make it easier to raise more capital.