Remember That OpenAI & Jony Ive Partnership? A New Trademark Dispute Made OpenAI Scrub It From Its Website

Photo Credit: OpenAI

OpenAI recently removed all mentions of its partnership with Jony Ive’s new hardware startup io from its website and social media channels. The move comes after a federal court order related to a trademark dispute with IYO, a startup specialized in AI-powered hearing devices.

The dispute centers on the use of the name io, which IYO claims is too similar to its own branding and could confuse consumers. As a result, OpenAI has temporarily removed references to its official blog post and nine-minute promotional video featuring Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The removal has prompted speculation that the partnership itself collapsed—but OpenAI has clarified that the deal remains intact.

OpenAI clarified that the content was removed due to a court order following a trademark complaint from IYO regarding the ‘io’ name. The company expressed disagreement with the complaint and is currently reviewing its legal options. Jony Ive’s spokesperson also pushed back, calling the lawsuit utterly baseless and vowing to fight it vigorously. Despite the legal setback, both sides confirm the partnership is still on and that Ive’s team will integrate OpenAI’s research and engineering groups.

The original announcement positioned io Products as a key part of OpenAI’s strategy to build consumer AI hardware. The partnership was valued at nearly $6.5 billion and was unveiled in late May 2025. The promotional materials highlighted plans for a screenless AI companion device, leveraging voice and image capabilities to interact with environments.

That product concept sounds similar to the Humane AI pin, which cost $700 and was only operational for about a year before the concept was shuttered and all AI devices ‘bricked’—or rendered non-functional. HP bought the remains of that AI company for around $116 million.

This trademark dispute arose after the initial announcement, with IYO filing a lawsuit and a judge issuing a restraining order against OpenAI. U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson found that IYO’s trademark infringement case was strong enough to proceed to a hearing in October 2025. Until then, OpenAI cannot use the ‘io’ name on any branding, marketing, or promo materials.

It’s unclear how successful the trademark dispute will be, considering the i/o abbreviation is shorthand for input/output in the tech world. Google’s annual developer conference—Google I/O—makes reference to this shorthand. (It’s also the name of the third largest moon of Jupiter, named after one of Zeus’ mortal lovers.)

So while OpenAI is forbidden from using the name until the hearing in October, this partnership will continue. For now, the focus is on product development and integration, with branding issues set aside until this legal issue is cleared up.

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