OpenAI removed mentions of the “io” project from its website and social media following a trademark complaint from IYO Audio. The “io” project, developed in collaboration between Sam Altman and Jony Ive, involved creating an AI-based device. IYO Audio, which is working on a similar device and presented it at TED Talk in 2024, claimed rights to the name.
This page is temporarily down due to a court order following a trademark complaint from iyO about our use of the name “io.” We don’t agree with the complaint and are reviewing our options.https://t.co/suwMRPTHqB
— OpenAI Newsroom (@OpenAINewsroom) June 22, 2025
As a result of the lawsuit, OpenAI removed the blog post and video featuring Sam Altman and Jony Ive. OpenAI spokesperson Kayla Wood stated that the page is temporarily unavailable due to a court order following IYO’s complaint regarding the use of the name “io.” She emphasized that the company disagrees with the complaint and is currently reviewing possible actions.
OpenAI confirmed that the acquisition of the hardware startup founded by the “io” team, valued at nearly $6.5 billion, is still in effect. The “io” team was to join OpenAI’s research, engineering, and product divisions in San Francisco. Following this, closer collaboration on AI-based devices was planned.
