Microsoft Moves to Secure OpenAI Tech Past 2030

* Microsoft aims to lock in advanced AI technology beyond its current partnership with OpenAI, which is set to expire in 2030. * Negotiations involve revising key clauses, equity stakes, and restructuring agreements. On July 29, 2025, CoinDesk reported that Microsoft is negotiating to lock in access to OpenAI’s AI technology, eyeing a restructured agreement before its current pact expires in 2030. These advanced talks aim to redefine terms covering AI advancements, equity stakes, and OpenAI’s planned transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit entity. According to the report, a central topic of discussion is Microsoft’s push to revise the “AGI clause.” This clause, as currently written, could limit Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s technology after it achieves artificial general intelligence (AGI). Consequently, Microsoft considers removing or adjusting this clause critical for its long-term AI strategy, as the change would ensure access to OpenAI’s breakthroughs even post-AGI. In addition, Microsoft is pursuing a significant equity stake in OpenAI, with negotiations reportedly centered on a stake between 30% and the mid-30% range. Having already invested approximately $13.75 billion, Microsoft seeks to formalize its dominant financial role and support OpenAI’s for-profit shift. The companies are also recalibrating revenue-sharing terms, with OpenAI reportedly advocating for a larger cut of profits from joint projects while preserving funding for its nonprofit initiatives. The talks also cover intellectual property rights and infrastructure development, as OpenAI is exploring partnerships with other firms to diversify its data-center strategy, reduce its reliance on Microsoft’s Azure platform, and expand AI services. OpenAI’s restructuring is a linchpin of these negotiations, particularly as the company eyes significant external capital, like a proposed investment from SoftBank. However, Elon Musk’s lawsuit over alleged mission deviations adds external pressure to the talks. Despite these challenges, sources suggest the negotiations remain constructive, although the parties have not finalized a formal agreement. Meanwhile, in the broader crypto market, as of 12:00 UTC on July 29, Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at $29,487, marking a 1.8% dip in 24-hour trading volume. Ethereum (ETH) was trading at $1,857, reflecting a 0.4% increase during the same period. These activity levels offer insight into market sentiment amid transformative industry developments.