Judge Probes Bid to Bar OpenAI’s Use of “IO” in Trademark Suit

A California federal judge left open the chance of an order temporarily banning OpenAI Inc.'s use of the “IO” moniker amid a trademark lawsuit brought by AI device developer IYO Inc.

Judge Trina L. Thompson pondered whether consumers are already at risk of confusing the companies, even if OpenAI hasn’t launched an “IO” product, because of a video of OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman introducing its new venture. Thompson went on to ask OpenAI’s counsel what limits there should be on a temporary restraining order if she grants IYO’s requested injunction, Tuesday during an hour-long hearing in San Francisco.

OpenAI’s counsel, ...