OpenAI Removes Promotional Material for Jony Ive Partnership

OpenAI appears to have taken down a widely-discussed video showcasing the friendship between CEO Sam Altman and prominent Apple designer Jony Ive, as well as the company’s $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive and Altman’s startup, io, from both its website and YouTube channel.

Does this suggest possible complications with the acquisition or regarding Ive’s future role at OpenAI? Not necessarily, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who reports that the “deal is moving forward as planned and has NOT been cancelled or anything of that nature.” He further noted that a judge has issued a restraining order concerning the io name, requiring the company to withdraw all related materials.

Additionally, a prior report from Bloomberg Law revealed that AI device maker IYO has launched a trademark lawsuit against OpenAI, with the judge appearing receptive to IYO’s assertion that OpenAI’s promotional video may already be creating consumer confusion.

TechCrunch has reached out to OpenAI for a response. For now, the video remains accessible for viewing on X.