OpenAI removes Jony Ive partnership promo materials
▼ Summary
– OpenAI removed a promotional video featuring Sam Altman and Jony Ive from its website and YouTube, sparking speculation about their $6.5 billion deal.
– The deal between OpenAI, Ive, and Altman’s startup io remains on track despite the video’s removal, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
– A judge issued a restraining order over the use of the “io” name, forcing OpenAI to pull materials containing it.
– AI device maker IYO filed a trademark lawsuit against OpenAI, citing potential consumer confusion from the promotional video.
– The video is still available on X (formerly Twitter) despite being removed from OpenAI’s official channels.
OpenAI has quietly removed promotional materials highlighting its high-profile collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, sparking speculation about the status of their partnership. The deleted content included a widely shared video featuring OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Ive discussing their ambitious $6.5 billion hardware venture, along with references to their startup, io.
While the sudden disappearance might suggest trouble brewing, sources indicate the move stems from legal complications rather than a breakdown in negotiations. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman clarified that the partnership remains intact, attributing the takedown to a restraining order tied to a trademark dispute. A judge ruled in favor of AI device manufacturer IYO, which claims OpenAI’s use of “io” could mislead consumers given the similarity to its own brand.
The promotional video, which briefly outlined Ive’s anticipated role in shaping OpenAI’s hardware vision, remains accessible on X (formerly Twitter) despite being scrubbed from OpenAI’s official channels. Legal experts suggest the restraining order likely compelled OpenAI to act swiftly, though the core collaboration appears unaffected.
OpenAI has yet to comment publicly on the situation. Industry watchers continue to monitor developments, particularly how the trademark issue might impact branding for the Altman-Ive venture moving forward. The incident underscores the complexities of high-stakes tech partnerships, where intellectual property disputes can emerge even before products reach the market.
(Source: TechCrunch)
