Microsoft Seeks Evergreen Access to OpenAI's AI Models

Microsoft MSFT is in advanced talks to rewrite its OpenAI deal so it can keep tapping the startup's latest AI models even after the AGI mark.

Under the current agreement, hitting AGI which OpenAI defines as machines outpacing humans on most economically valuable taskswould strip Microsoft of those rights come 2030.

So far Microsoft has pumped in $13.75 billion and may walk away with a low? to mid?30% equity stake in a restructured, for?profit OpenAI.

OpenAI, meanwhile, is pushing for a bigger slice of revenue and the freedom to serve clients outside Azureincluding government agencies that aren't on Microsoft's cloud. They're also insisting on strict safety standards as models edge toward true AGI.

There's a business milestone too: once OpenAI hits about $100 billion in total investor profits, fresh IP clauses kick in and any disagreement over that trigger could wind up in court.

Past IP waivers for OpenAI's $6.5 billion io deal and the stalled $2.4 billion Windsurf acquisition show just how high the stakes are.

Locking in perpetual access to OpenAI tech is critical for Azure's edge and Microsoft's long?term AI roadmap.Investors will be watching for deal terms in the coming weeks and any updates at Microsoft's Ignite conference this autumn.