OpenAI Barred From Using ‘io’ Name for Devices in Trademark Suit

OpenAI Inc. is banned from using “io” branding for AI-powered devices while a trademark infringement lawsuit brought by wearable tech-maker IYO Inc. moves forward.

IYO is likely to prove OpenAI infringes its trademark, according to a Thursday order issued by Judge Trina L. Thompson of the US District Court for the Northern District of California, which granted IYO’s motion for a preliminary injunction barring OpenAI from using in commerce any mark confusingly similat to IYO’s.

The injunction extends a temporary restraining order against OpenAI that Thompson granted in June 2025, which was affirmed by the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in December.

The decision follows OpenAI’s February announcement that it was dropping the “io” branding for AI-enabled devices. Thompson questioned the sincerity of OpenAI’s vow to not use the name at an April hearing on the injunction motion, saying it was a “red flag” that the company’s commitment appeared to last only until January 2027, about a month before the AI giant says it may launch AI-powered hardware.

IYO sued OpenAI, its CEO Sam Altman, Io Products Inc., and its founder Jony Ive last June, one month after OpenAI acquired Io Products for $6.5 billion. IYO, which creates devices that allow users to interact with smartphones, artificial intelligence, and the internet without screens, claimed Altman and OpenAI were aware of its brand since at least 2022 because the parties had discussed the possibility of collaboration.

Thompson granted IYO a temporary restraining order shortly after, ruling the company demonstrated it would suffer imminent injury by showing Io and OpenAI have a working, competing prototype.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo PC represents IYO. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP represents OpenAI, Io, Altman, and Ive. Ive is also represented by Jones Day.

The case is IYO Inc. v. IO Prods. Inc., N.D. Cal., No. 25-cv-04861, preliminary injunction granted 4/23/26.