OpenAI is temporarily blocked from using the word ‘cameo’ for its video app

• A federal judge has temporarily blocked OpenAI from using the term "cameo" in the Sora video app.
• US District Judge Eumi K. Lee's ruling lasts until December 22.
• Cameo, the personalized video company, sued OpenAI for trademark infringement.

OpenAI may have to go back to the drawing board to name a core feature of its popular AI video generation app, Sora.

US District Judge Eumi K. Lee has ruled that OpenAI cannot use the word "cameo," or any other similar name, tied to the use or promotion of its Sora app, until December 22.

The AI company named a feature on the TikTok-esque app that creates a linkness of the user, a pet, or even an object in the app "cameos." On October 28, Cameo, the personalized video company, filed a trademark suit against OpenAI in federal court in California to stop it from using the word.

As of late Monday morning, OpenAI was still using "cameo" on the Sora app.

Lee wrote in her ruling that OpenAI is likely infringing on the trademark held by Cameo, known for allowing users to pay for personalized videos, often recorded by celebrities.

"Defendants' only argument to the contrary is that the requested injunction would 'harm OpenAI's ability to successfully launch its Sora app and other Sora 2 functionality,'" Lee wrote in a ruling issued on Friday. 'However, Defendants' harm arises from its own likely infringing use of a federally registered mark."

Cameo CEO Steven Galanis on X called for OpenAI to move swiftly to adhere to the judge's order.

"It's critical that @OpenAI adheres to Judge Lee's Temporary Restraining Order ASAP to prevent further irreparable harm to Cameo's brand and IP," he wrote, adding, "30% of all @BookCameo videos get created between Thanksgiving and Christmas so time is of the essence."

OpenAI said it looks "forward to continuing to make our case to the court."

"We disagree with the complaint's assertion that anyone can claim exclusive ownership over the word 'cameo,'" an OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider.

Lee has scheduled a hearing for December 19 on whether the temporary block should be made permanent.