Ban Against OpenAI Using ‘io’ Trademark Backed by Ninth Circuit

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a temporary order blocking OpenAI Inc. from using “io” as a trademark in certain circumstances while an infringement suit against it proceeds.

A lower court didn’t clearly err when it found AI startup IYO Inc. demonstrated a likelihood of success and irreparable harm absent an injunction, according to the Wednesday opinion from the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The decision noted that the temporary restraining order doesn’t prevent all use of the io mark, but only marketing and sale of products “sufficiently similar” to IYO’s AI-based audio computer.

The ruling provides an incremental ...