Tracking the history of the now-deceased OpenAI Microsoft AGI clause (simonwillison.net)

In a significant shift for the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, a convoluted clause regarding the implications of achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has effectively come to an end. Historically, this clause stipulated that should AGI be realized, Microsoft's commercial IP rights over OpenAI’s technology would be nullified. However, as of April 27, 2026, new arrangements indicate that OpenAI will continue to license its IP to Microsoft until 2032, now under a non-exclusive agreement, marking a critical turning point in their collaboration. The previous criteria for defining AGI, including financial benchmarks and expert panel validations, have also become less rigid. The shift away from revenue sharing, along with the review process for AGI's achievement, highlights OpenAI's renewed focus on developing technology beneficial to humanity without the constraints imposed by profit-centric definitions. This evolution signals a transformative moment in AI governance, reflecting the growing recognition that the trajectory of AI development should prioritize ethical considerations and broader societal impacts over purely commercial interests.