OpenAI scrubs mention of Jony Ive partnership after judge's ruling over trademark dispute

A federal judge has ordered OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman, and designer Jony Ive to halt the marketing of their new artificial intelligence hardware venture due to a trademark dispute with startup IYO. OpenAI had announced a $6.5 billion acquisition of io Products, co-founded by Ive, in May. However, IYO, a startup also developing AI hardware that had previously pitched its product to Altman and Ive’s firms in 2022, filed a trademark complaint due to the similarity of company names. Judge Trina Thompson found IYO had a credible claim and set a hearing for October, instructing OpenAI and its partners to refrain from using the IO or similar marks in marketing. In compliance, OpenAI removed online references to the venture, replacing them with a notice about the court order. OpenAI stated it disagrees with the complaint and is considering its options. IYO CEO Jason Rugolo welcomed the ruling, asserting the company’s determination to defend its brand rights against more prominent industry players.