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The no-nonsense judge calling the shots in Musk v Altman trial
A high-profile federal case pitting Elon Musk against OpenAI is being presided over by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in California. The timeline covers the case background, the judge’s noted courtroom discipline, and related tech litigation tied to her courtroom in recent years.
Why It Matters
Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ handling of Musk v Altman could influence how large tech players are scrutinized in court as AI develops commercially. Her approach across multiple high-stakes tech cases underscores the judiciary’s role in regulating fast-moving technology companies.
Timeline
12 Events
Apple case: appellate ruling and potential commission rate (Supreme Court action)
May 2026
The Supreme Court declined Apple’s request to stay the appeals ruling; the case will go back to Gonzalez Rogers to determine a fair commission rate.
Advisory jury and final arbiter
May 2026
A nine-person jury will render an advisory verdict by the end of May 2026; final authority remains with Judge Gonzalez Rogers.
Musk testimony and moment of self-representation questioned
April 2026
During his testimony, Musk briefly attempted to act as his own legal counsel; the judge reminded him that he is not a lawyer.
First-week admonishments about social media conduct
April 2026
In the first week, Gonzalez Rogers chided Musk for negative posts about OpenAI and Sam Altman on X, urging a 'clean slate' from all parties.
Judge Gonzalez Rogers enforces strict courtroom schedule
April 2026
During the first week of the trial, the judge starts proceedings at 08:00, does not allow a lunch break, and permits two 20-minute breaks.
Trial begins in late April 2026
April 2026
Musk v Altman trial began in late April 2026 before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California.
Musk v Altman case described as ongoing in California
April 2026
The $150 billion Musk v Altman lawsuit against OpenAI is playing out in a California federal court, with trial activity reported in late April 2026.
MDL overseen by Gonzalez Rogers
2026
In addition to Musk v Altman, she is overseeing a multi-district litigation consolidating social media addiction lawsuits against Meta, Snap, TikTok and Google.
Contempt finding against Apple executive in Epic Games v Apple (2025)
2025
In 2025, Gonzalez Rogers wrote that an Apple executive lied under oath in Epic Games v Apple and referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California.
OpenAI opens a for-profit arm
2019
OpenAI opened a for-profit arm in 2019, three years before it debuted the software ChatGPT, as noted in the article.
Musk leaves OpenAI
2018
Musk departed OpenAI in 2018 following a power struggle, according to the article.
OpenAI founded by Musk and Altman
2015
Elon Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 with Sam Altman; he left the company three years later after a power struggle.