ChatGPT-maker OpenAI recently acquired former Apple designer Jony Ive’s AI device startup in a $6.5 billion all-equity deal. The company has removed mentions of ‘io’, Ive’s startup from its platform, following a court order. In a latest, the court documents have reportedly revealed that the product being manufactured under the partnership will not be a wearable or in-ear device. According to a report by The Verge, OpenAI’s first hardware product is unlikely to launch before 2026. For those unaware, audio startup Iyo filed a lawsuit claiming OpenAI infringed on its trademark.As part of the case, Tang Tan, the chief hardware officer of “io” — a consumer hardware team acquired by OpenAI for $6.5 billion — clarified the nature of the planned product. In a court declaration dated June 16, Tan said “The prototype Sam Altman referenced in the video is at least a year away from being offered for sale”, adding “Its design is not yet finalized, but it is not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device.”
Trademark lawsuit against OpenAI
The legal issue stems from OpenAI’s use of the brand name “io,” which Iyo argues is too similar to its own. Iyo, which is working on an in-ear audio computer, claims OpenAI and leaders from io were aware of its brand and product plans. The company has presented emails to the court showing that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and others were in contact and even declined an investment offer from Iyo.“Thanks but I’m working on something competitive so will respectfully pass!” Altman wrote in an email after Iyo offered him a chance to invest in their device.
OpenAI removes io mentions
Due to a court orders, OpenAI has scrubbed all public references to “io” from its website and social media. In court documents dated June 12, the company said the team had been exploring many hardware formats before settling on a direction. “For many months after its founding, io surveyed the existing commercial offerings and engaged in prototyping exercises,” OpenAI said, adding that the team reviewed desktop, mobile, wired, wireless, wearable, and portable concepts.