OpenAI learned the hard way that Cameo trademarked the word ‘cameo’

OpenAI’s social app Sora launched with a controversial characteristic referred to as Cameo, permitting customers to deepfake themselves or others (with permission). The characteristic had a tenuous rollout — Martin Luther King Jr.’s property needed to get entangled, to offer you an concept of what went on — however now it faces a brand new problem.

Apparently, Cameo — the app the place you purchase customized video messages from celebrities — can declare the trademark of the phrase “cameo.”

U.S. District Decide Eumi Okay. Lee imposed a short lived restraining order that blocks OpenAI from utilizing the phrase “cameo,” in addition to any similar-sounding phrases or phrases, on Sora.

The non permanent restraining order issued on November 21, 2025 is about to run out on December 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. A listening to on the matter is scheduled for December 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

As of Monday afternoon, the Sora app nonetheless makes use of the “cameo” language, nevertheless.

“We’re gratified by the court docket’s determination, which acknowledges the necessity to defend shoppers from the confusion that OpenAI has created by utilizing the Cameo trademark,” Cameo CEO Steven Galanis mentioned in a press release. “Whereas the court docket’s order is non permanent, we hope that OpenAI will comply with cease utilizing our mark completely to keep away from any additional hurt to the general public or Cameo.”

OpenAI disagrees with the assertion that the corporate can declare unique possession over the phrase “cameo,” the corporate advised CNBC.