Microsoft and OpenAI have amended their partnership agreement to simplify how the two companies work together and expand flexibility as they scale AI technologies.
“The rapid pace of innovation requires us to continue to evolve our partnership to benefit our customers and both companies,” the companies said in a statement. “Today, we are announcing an amended agreement to simplify our partnership and the way we work together, grounded in flexibility, certainty, and a focus on delivering the benefits of AI broadly.”
Under the revised terms, Microsoft will remain OpenAI’s primary cloud partner, and OpenAI products will be launched first on Microsoft Azure unless Microsoft is unable or chooses not to support required capabilities. OpenAI will also be able to offer its products across other cloud providers.
Microsoft will retain access to OpenAI’s intellectual property for models and products through 2032, though the license will now be non-exclusive. The agreement also removes Microsoft’s obligation to pay a revenue share to OpenAI. However, ChatGPT’s parent will continue revenue-sharing payments to Microsoft through 2030 at the same percentage rate, subject to a cap.
Microsoft will continue to hold a significant equity stake in OpenAI.
The statement read, “The greater predictability in the amended agreement strengthens our joint ability to build and operate AI platforms at scale while providing both companies the flexibility to pursue new opportunities.”
The collaboration will continue to include expanding data centre capacity, developing next-generation chips, and advancing cybersecurity applications using AI.