OpenAI’s Sam Altman Dismisses ’Silly’ Trademark Lawsuit from AI Startup IYO

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has publicly criticized a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by AI startup IYO as "silly, disappointing, and wrong." The dispute centers on IYO's claim that OpenAI's partnership with Jony Ive's firm "IO" infringes on its brand. A judge granted IYO a temporary restraining order, forcing OpenAI to remove a blog post about the collaboration.

Altman revealed that IYO founder Jason Rugolo had persistently sought a $10 million investment or acquisition from OpenAI, which the company declined. "We passed and were clear along the way," Altman stated in a tweet. IYO alleges OpenAI copied its ideas after rejecting them, then acquired Ive's company for $6.5 billion.

Menlo Ventures VC Deedy Das called it "the most dramatic tech lawsuit this year." The case highlights growing tensions in the AI sector as competition for branding and intellectual property intensifies.