OpenAI’s ‘io’ Move Is ‘Red Flag’ in Trademark Suit, Judge Says

A federal judge questioned the sincerity of OpenAI Inc.'s vow to not use the “io” name for AI-powered devices, during a hearing about whether to extend an order blocking the company’s use of the moniker while IYO Inc.'s trademark infringement lawsuit progresses.

Judge Trina L. Thompson questioned why OpenAI said it wouldn’t use “io” but then attempted to delay the Tuesday hearing about IYO’s bid to bar OpenAI’s confusing “homophone” of a name until January 2027, about a month before the AI giant says it may launch AI-powered hardware.

“It just was a red flag, like, why are we putting ...