OpenAI Halts Jony Ive Deal Promotion Amid Trademark Dispute
So, you know that buzz about OpenAI snagging Jony Ive, the design genius behind iconic Apple products? Well, things just got a tad more complicated. That promotional video showcasing the bromance between Sam Altman and Jony Ive, along with the $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive's startup, io, has vanished from OpenAI's website and YouTube.
Before you jump to conclusions about the deal falling apart, hold on. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the acquisition is still on track. The real culprit? A judge slapped a restraining order on OpenAI's use of the name "io" due to a trademark complaint. Think of it like this: imagine you're launching a new soda called "Fizz," and another company already has a popular drink with the same name. You'd probably have to rethink your branding, right?
OpenAI confirmed the situation, stating that the page is temporarily down because of the court order following a trademark complaint from iyO regarding their use of the name "io". They also mentioned that they disagree with the complaint and are considering their options.
The Trademark Tussle
Now, who is this iyO causing all the trouble? Apparently, they're a spin-off from Alphabet's X "moonshot factory," and their flagship product is a set of generative AI-powered earbuds. According to Bloomberg Law, iyO filed a trademark lawsuit against OpenAI, and the judge seems sympathetic to their argument that OpenAI's promotional video might confuse consumers. This is understandable, as having two tech companies with similar names could indeed lead to some serious mix-ups. For now, the video is still available on X.
Despite this bump in the road, OpenAI insists that the deal with io is still happening. It's like hitting a detour on a road trip – it might slow you down, but it doesn't mean you won't reach your destination. OpenAI is reviewing its options and figuring out the best way to navigate this trademark issue. So, while the promotional video might be temporarily sidelined, the collaboration between OpenAI and Jony Ive seems to be forging ahead. Stay tuned, because this story is far from over.
Source: TechCrunch