Microsoft CEO testifies on company's influence over OpenAI in Musk trial

Satya Nadella, the chief executive of Microsoft, testified Monday in the lawsuit filed by Elon Musk against OpenAI. The trial has drawn attention across the tech industry because of the prominent figures involved.

Musk's legal team asked Nadella about Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI. The key question: how much control did Microsoft actually have over the startup? Nadella's lawyers plan to call other major figures later this week, including OpenAI's Sam Altman.

When speaking to tech journalist Kara Swisher, Nadella once described Microsoft's position using striking language. "We are below them, above them, around them," he said of the relationship. Musk's team pressed Nadella on these comments in court.

The trial represents a major legal battle in the artificial intelligence world. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI years ago, is suing the company. The case has drawn testimony from leading figures in the AI industry.