Cameo Scores Early Win Against OpenAI in Trademark Battle
Federal Court Sides With Cameo in OpenAI Trademark Dispute
In a preliminary ruling that could reshape how AI companies name their features, a California federal judge has granted celebrity video platform Cameo a temporary restraining order against OpenAI. The order prohibits OpenAI from using "Cameo"—or similar variations like "Kameo"—in its Sora video generation app through December 22, 2026.
Why This Matters
The conflict began last October when OpenAI introduced a "Cameo" feature allowing users to insert celebrity likenesses into AI-generated videos. For Cameo—which built its business on authentic celebrity video messages—this struck too close to home.
"Imagine booking LeBron James for your nephew's birthday through our platform," explains Cameo CEO Steven Galanis, "then seeing an AI alternative bearing our name." The company worries consumers might confuse Sora's synthetic creations with their genuine celebrity interactions.
Behind the Legal Battle
Before filing suit, Cameo attempted negotiations with OpenAI—requests the AI company reportedly dismissed. Now the court has temporarily sided with Cameo until a December 19 hearing determines whether to make the injunction permanent.
OpenAI maintains its position: "'Cameo' describes a type of appearance," a spokesperson told reporters. "It's like trademarking 'close-up' or 'panorama.' We're confident we'll prevail."
Bigger Than Two Companies
Legal experts see this case extending beyond corporate squabbles. It touches on:
- How trademark law applies to rapidly evolving AI tools
- Ethical boundaries for synthetic media featuring celebrities
- Whether common entertainment terms can be claimed as brands
The outcome could influence how generative AI companies name features moving forward—potentially requiring more creative naming strategies to avoid existing trademarks.
What Happens Next?
With both sides digging in their heels:
- The December hearing will weigh whether consumer confusion exists
- Courts must balance innovation against brand protection
- Either ruling could set precedent for future AI naming disputes
The tech and legal communities will be watching closely as this case unfolds.
Key Points:
- Temporary restraining order bars OpenAI from using "Cameo" until at least late 2026
- Cameo argues AI-generated celebrity videos dilute their authentic brand
- OpenAI counters that "Cameo" is too generic to trademark
- Ruling could impact how generative AI companies name features
