Cameo Sues OpenAI Over Sora’s ‘Cameo’ Feature, Citing Trademark Concerns
In a move that underscores the growing legal challenges surrounding artificial intelligence, Cameo, the platform known for personalized celebrity videos, has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI. The core of the dispute centers on OpenAI’s use of the term “cameo” within its Sora video-generating feature. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court on Tuesday, alleges trademark infringement and potential damage to Cameo’s brand.
The Heart of the Matter: Trademark Infringement
The crux of Cameo’s complaint is that OpenAI’s use of “cameo” is likely to confuse consumers and dilute Cameo’s brand, potentially associating it with “ersatz, hastily made AI slop and deepfakes featuring celebrities.” The Cameo app, launched in 2017, has built its reputation on facilitating authentic interactions between fans and celebrities. OpenAI’s Sora, introduced on September 30th, includes a “cameo” feature that allows users to create deepfake avatars, raising concerns about the misuse of celebrity likenesses and potential for nonconsensual deepfakes.
Cameo’s Stance and Legal Demands
Cameo CEO Steven Galanis stated, “We do not take litigation lightly. While we attempted to resolve this matter with OpenAI amicably, they refused to stop using the Cameo name for their new Sora feature. To protect fans, talent, and the integrity of our marketplace, we felt that we unfortunately had no other option but to bring this lawsuit.”
Cameo’s legal action seeks an unspecified amount of monetary damages and a court order to prevent OpenAI from using “cameo” or “cameos” in its product names. The lawsuit contends that OpenAI “intentionally selected” the term to capitalize on the goodwill and celebrity-fan interactions that Cameo has cultivated. Furthermore, the complaint highlights the emergence of third-party websites focused on Sora’s cameo feature, which further erodes Cameo’s brand identity.
OpenAI’s Response
In response to inquiries, an OpenAI spokesperson told Reuters that the company is reviewing the complaint but “disagree[s] that anyone can claim exclusive ownership over the word ‘cameo.’” This statement suggests that OpenAI intends to defend its use of the term.
This case highlights the complexities of intellectual property in the age of AI and the challenges companies face in protecting their brands against the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI-powered technologies. As the legal battle unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the courts interpret the usage of common terms in the context of AI-generated content.
Source: The Verge
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