OpenAI Removes Promotional Video Featuring Sam Altman and Jony Ive
OpenAI recently made the decision to take down a video that showcased the friendship between CEO Sam Altman and renowned Apple designer Jony Ive. The video also highlighted OpenAI’s acquisition of Ive and Altman’s device startup io for $6.5 billion. This move was made on both OpenAI’s website and YouTube page.
Speculation arose as to whether this removal indicated any issues with the acquisition or Ive’s role in leading design work at OpenAI. According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, there is no cause for concern. Gurman clarified that the deal is proceeding as planned and has not been dissolved. The reason for the video’s removal was a restraining order issued over the use of the io name, prompting OpenAI to pull all related materials.
OpenAI has since confirmed this development, updating their announcement page to address the situation. The statement on the page explains that it is temporarily down due to a court order resulting from a trademark complaint by iyO regarding the use of the name ‘io.’ OpenAI expressed disagreement with the complaint and is currently exploring their options moving forward. However, they emphasized that this issue does not impact their deal with io.
The company iyO, affiliated with Alphabet X’s “moonshot factory,” is known for its generative AI-powered earbuds. A Bloomberg Law report highlighted that iyO had filed a trademark lawsuit against OpenAI, with the judge considering the possibility of consumer confusion stemming from OpenAI’s promotional video.
Despite these legal developments, the video in question remains accessible on X.
Update: Confirmation of this situation has been provided by OpenAI.