The content related to the artificial intelligence (AI) hardware project jointly promoted by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive and OpenAI has disappeared online due to the impact of a trademark dispute. As key materials and videos, including the announcement of the project acquisition, were abruptly deleted, some speculated that there may be issues with the collaboration itself. However, both parties clarified that the legal issue is the only reason for this and that the collaboration remains unchanged.
On the 22nd (local time), Bloomberg and other foreign media reported that content announcing OpenAI's acquisition of Ive's AI hardware startup 'IO Products' for $6.5 billion could not be confirmed on the web. The deleted content included videos and marketing materials related to the acquisition announcement, with social media users being the first to notice this change.
OpenAI and Ive's side explained that this action was due to a trademark dispute. The hearing aid development company IYO filed a provisional injunction claiming that the name 'IO' used by OpenAI is similar to its own brand, leading the court to prohibit OpenAI from using the 'IO' name.
Accordingly, OpenAI is said to have deleted related content entirely under the court order. Ive's side stated that it is "completely baseless litigation" and that they will "respond vigorously."