The Verge
5/8/2026
Court documents reveal Microsoft's 2017 concerns about OpenAI defecting to Amazon
Original: Microsoft was worried OpenAI would run off to Amazon and ‘shit-talk’ Azure
Short summary
Court documents from the Musk v. Altman trial reveal Microsoft executives feared OpenAI would defect to Amazon and disparage Azure in 2017. The papers show early negotiations between Sam Altman and Satya Nadella that became foundational to their partnership. The case provides rare insight into how competitive concerns and partnership fears shaped one of tech's most significant AI alliances.
- •Microsoft worried OpenAI could leave for Amazon and criticize Azure
- •Court docs reveal Altman and Nadella's early partnership negotiations in 2017
- •Shows how competitive dynamics and defection fears shape major tech deals
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