Key Points
- OpenAI launched a self‑deepfaking feature in Sora called “cameo.”
- Cameo, the video‑personalization platform, sued over trademark infringement.
- A U.S. district judge issued a temporary restraining order against OpenAI.
- OpenAI renamed the feature “characters” to comply with the order.
- The dispute underscores naming challenges for AI products entering mainstream markets.
OpenAI Should Stop Naming Its Creations After Products That Already Exist
Background
OpenAI introduced a feature in its Sora app that lets users generate a digital likeness of themselves for personalized AI‑generated videos. The feature was originally called “cameo,” a term that had already been trademarked by Cameo, a service where fans pay celebrities to record personalized videos. Sora quickly rose on the iOS download charts, drawing significant user attention to the new capability.
Legal Challenge
Cameo filed a lawsuit alleging that OpenAI’s use of the “cameo” name infringed on its trademark and harmed its brand visibility in online searches. The company’s CEO, Steven Galanis, said discussions with OpenAI were “pretty nonexistent” and accused OpenAI of knowingly ignoring Cameo’s existing trademark. A U.S. district judge issued a temporary restraining order that barred OpenAI from using the word “cameo” or any variations of it in connection with the Sora feature.
OpenAI’s Response
Following the court order, OpenAI removed the “cameo” branding from the Sora app and renamed the feature “characters.” An OpenAI spokesperson confirmed the company was taking steps to comply with the judge’s directive and noted that the change might take up to three weeks after a new name was selected. The company also expressed opposition to the lawsuit, arguing that exclusive ownership of a common word should not be granted.
Industry Implications
The case illustrates the broader challenges faced by generative‑AI firms as they expand into consumer‑facing products. Naming choices that echo existing trademarks can trigger legal disputes, potentially slowing product rollouts and prompting rebranding efforts. Legal experts suggest that AI companies may need to prioritize original naming to avoid similar conflicts, especially as their tools become more visible on mainstream platforms like iOS.
Source: wired.com