BREAKING: A federal judge has just blocked OpenAI from using the term “cameo” in its new Sora video app. US District Judge Eumi K. Lee issued the ruling, which is effective until December 22, 2023, following a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by the personalized video company, Cameo.
This urgent decision impacts a core feature of OpenAI’s popular app, designed for AI-generated video content, which previously allowed users to create “cameos” featuring themselves, pets, or objects. The ruling comes after Cameo filed its lawsuit in California federal court on October 28, arguing that OpenAI’s use of the term infringes on its established trademark.
As of late Monday morning, OpenAI was still using “cameo” within the Sora app, raising questions about compliance with the court’s order. Judge Lee noted that OpenAI is “likely infringing” on Cameo’s trademark, emphasizing the potential harm to Cameo’s brand.
“Defendants’ only argument to the contrary is that the requested injunction would harm OpenAI’s ability to successfully launch its Sora app and other Sora 2 functionality,” Lee wrote in her ruling. “However, Defendants’ harm arises from its own likely infringing use of a federally registered mark.”
Cameo’s CEO, Steven Galanis, took to social media platform X, urging OpenAI to comply swiftly with the judge’s order. He highlighted the critical timing, stating, “30% of all @BookCameo videos get created between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so time is of the essence.”
OpenAI’s spokesperson responded, asserting, “We disagree with the complaint’s assertion that anyone can claim exclusive ownership over the word ‘cameo.'” The AI powerhouse expressed its intention to continue making its case in court.
A hearing has been scheduled for December 19 to determine whether the temporary block on the use of “cameo” should be made permanent. This developing situation highlights the ongoing tensions between tech innovation and intellectual property rights, with significant implications for both companies.
As the deadline approaches, the tech community and users of the Sora app await further developments, which could reshape the app’s branding strategy and impact its launch success.