A federal judge has temporarily blocked OpenAI’s use of several monikers, including “Cameos” and “CameoVideo,” for elements of its Sora artificial intelligence video generation products and marketing.
U.S. District Judge Eumi K. Lee on Friday issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the San Francisco AI giant from using names that are part of an ongoing trademark dispute.
The Northern California judge also set a Dec. 19 hearing to delve further into the matter.
The lawsuit was brought late last month by Chicago-based tech business Baron App, which also goes by the name of its product, Cameo. The eight-year-old firm sued OpenAI, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition.
In its Oct. 28 lawsuit, Baron said it has secured several U.S. Trademark Registrations for its Cameo product, which enables fans to engage celebrities to make personalized videos to wish friends a happy birthday or other greetings.
Snoop Dogg, Tony Hawk, Jon Bon Jovi and Donald Trump Jr. are among celebrities who have participated, connecting with fans through Cameo, the company said in its complaint against Open AI. Cameo said its posts have been popular, attracting more than 100 million views in the past year.
The legal dispute began after OpenAI announced an update to its text-to-video tool Sora in September. The update included the launch of a new Sora feature that it called Cameos.
OpenAI’s fall product update gave consumers on the Sora app the ability to scan their faces and allow others to manipulate their facial images in AI-generated environments. YouTube influencer and boxer Jake Paul, who is an investor in OpenAI, participated in OpenAI’s Cameos’ rollout. In less than five days, the Sora app hit more than 1 million downloads.
“OpenAI is now using Cameo’s own mark, CAMEO, to compete directly with Cameo,” Baron wrote in its lawsuit against OpenAI.
Lawyers for the two companies argued their positions in a Tuesday hearing.
Lee’s decision forbids OpenAI and its “officers, directors and employees from using the mark ‘Cameo,’ or any other mark that includes or is confusingly similar to ‘Cameo,’ ” according to her order. “Defendants are ordered to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not [be] issue[d].”
The temporary restraining order expires Dec. 22.
“While the court’s order is temporary, we hope that OpenAI will agree to stop using our mark permanently to avoid any further harm to the public or Cameo,” Cameo CEO Steven Galanis said in a Saturday statement. “We would like nothing more than to put this behind us so that we can focus our full attention on bringing talent and fans together as we head into the holidays.”
An OpenAI spokesperson responded in a statement: “We disagree with the complaint’s assertion that anyone can claim exclusive ownership over the word ‘cameo’, and we look forward to continuing to make our case to the court.”
The move comes as OpenAI has faced blowback in Hollywood as images of celebrities and dead newsmakers were manipulated without their consent.
Isla Fisher has opened up about her ‘challenging’ divorce from Sacha Baron CohenCredit: John Russo for NewBeautyHer comic ex was recently linked to a woman half his ageCredit: BackGrid
“I definitely feel like there’s something about the divorce club that anyone in it understands in a way other people don’t. It’s a different grief.
“I feel like creating a new identity after your divorce is so fun, though. You get to reflect on your values and goals, explore new interests, focus on what you want and rebuild your sense of self.”
Isla made her comments in an interview for New Beauty magazine, for which she also posed in a series of outfits.
Sacha and Isla in 2013Credit: GettyCommenting on her split from actor Sacha Baron Cohen, Now You See Me star Isla Fisher, 49, said: ‘I’m not going to lie, it’s been a really challenging time.’Credit: John Russo for NewBeautyAussie star Isla made her comments in an interview for New Beauty magazine, for which she also posed in a series of outfitsCredit: John Russo for NewBeauty
SACHA Baron Cohen hooked up with a stunning Kylie Jenner lookalike 28 years his junior – just hours after his ex-wife said she had “cried” over being a single woman.
Sacha Baron Cohen hooked up with a stunning Kylie Jenner lookalike 28 years his juniorCredit: BackGridThe comic, 54, was spotted with American influencer Kelsey Calemine, 26, in HollywoodCredit: BackGridSacha appeared to exchange numbers with Kelsey before they left the nightspot in separate carsCredit: BackGrid
After they had left an exclusive new nightspot in Hollywood, the movie star chatted intimately with Kelsey, before handing her his pink mobile phone, as she appeared to tap her number into it.
Sacha, who is just two years younger than Kelsey’s 56-year-old dad, had spent two hours inside the club between 1am and 3am on Friday morning.
Kelsey and her friend had also emerged from it when the actor got talking to her outside.
Brunette Kelsey – wearing a figure-hugging pink dress – leaned in close to the actor as he whispered into her ear.
The US socialite and foodie influencer – who has 2.8million Instagram followers and is friends with Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and entrepreneur Lauren Perez – spent several minutes laughing and chatting with Sacha.
After appearing to exchange phone numbers they finally got into separate Ubers, as he waved fondly at her.
An onlooker said: “Sacha arrived at 1am at a hot new exclusive nightclub that is just up and coming in Hollywood.
“He was on his own with no security.
“He left the club at 3am just seconds after Kelsey and her friend left.
“He instantly noticed her.
“He was staring at Kelsey and then walked over and started chatting to her. Someone told me he had been flirting with her inside the club.
“Outside they were both very flirty and they didn’t stop laughing.
“He then walked over to her Uber when it came and gave her his phone which had a pink case and she typed her number into it.”
She has a mega-wealthy real estate developer father Robert Peck, 56.
Witnesses told how Sacha was flirting with Kelsey inside the club before being spotted chatting outsideCredit: BackGridKelsey Kelsey was previously linked to ex-England and Chelsea footballer Ben ChilwellCredit: InstagramSacha has recently divorce from actress Isla Fisher after 13 years of marriage, and have three childrenCredit: Getty
Insiders said Sacha, who was wearing a brown jacket and white trainers, has been “playing the field” after his marriage split to Isla.
She revealed that creating a fresh life from “a grassroots level” has been “tough”.
Discussing the moment her furniture arrived, Isla added: “I did have a bit of a cry because this was my first time as a single woman, being in a home of my own.”
‘LONG TENNIS MATCH MARRIAGE’
She and Sacha announced their split in April last year, saying that after a “long tennis match” their marriage had come to an end.
They met in 2001 and married nine years later in March 2010. They have three children.
Isla previously revealed how the methods of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung had helped her heal from the divorce.
The Jungian method is a therapeutic approach that explores dreams and symbols.
In a statement at the time, Sacha and Isla said: “We are proud of all we’ve achieved together and, continuing our great respect for each other, we remain friends and committed to co-parenting our wonderful children.”
In July Isla admitted: “I’ve had a tough couple of years but I’m making it through.”
It was understood the pair resolved their split amicably.
Pals of Sacha said that he’s enjoying being single and is having fun but he also gives out his number for career advice because of his respect in the industry.
Sacha became famous for his comic creation Ali G, with television series and even a movieCredit: Getty – ContributorSacha’s next comic character Borat saw him become even more famous, with a movie and a sequelCredit: Alamy
She posted on Instagram: “For all those men who say ‘Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free’ here’s an update for you. Nowadays 80 per cent of women are against marriage. Why? They realise it’s not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage.”
They spent two hours at a Beverly Hills steakhouse and then left in a limo.
SACHA’S DATES
Kelsey – who has a food page where she reviews restaurants – was snapped in April with basketball player Michael Porter Jr, 27, at an Italian eatery in St Tropez, France.
She posts videos on social media of herself eating food and then rating it.
On her TikTok page she describes herself with the title: “I love food and food loves me.”
She also has a channel called “Cooking w Kels” where she shows her followers meals that she has made.
On Friday she posted pictures to her 2.8million followers on Instagram at a fashion event wearing the same pink dress as in our exclusive snaps.
She captioned it: “Lowkey eating.”
Fans posted online that Kelsey was bought a Tesla by dad Rob to “encourage her to drive” and that she once had an OnlyFans page.
Sacha rose to comedy fame in the 1990s with his character Ali G, a wannabe gangster with the catchphrase, “Is it because I is black?”
He won more fans with characters Borat Sagdiyev, a bigoted Kazakh journalist, and Brüno Gehard, a flamboyant Austrian fashion reporter.
It led to film hits including the Madagascar franchise, Anchorman 2 and Grimsby.
Isla Fisher has relocated to London and has a brand new homeCredit: ELLE Decoration/Ben AndersThe actress has opened up about her pad to Elle Decoration in their December/January issueCredit: ELLE Decoration/Ben Anders
Isla, 49, Sacha, 54 and their three children Olive, Elula and Montgomery had previously split their time between her native Australia, London and Los Angeles.
However, she’s now relocated to London and is embarking on a new chapter with a swanky new mansion.
The actress opened up to ELLE Decoration about her new abode and revealed why she chose to relocate to England’s capital.
She enthused: “It’s such a fabulous city. It’s a place where you can tell stories and I guess I’m writing my own one now.”
On the non-negotiables for her new home, Isla admitted: “I’ve been obsessed with weeping willows since I was a kid and there’s one in the backyard, so it felt like kismet.
“I wanted the kids’ bedrooms on my floor so that I can monitor smartphone use; there needed to be space for my family who live in Greece and visit me a lot and, lastly, outdoor space.
“With the Australian upbringing I was lucky enough to have, I’ve always been barefoot in the garden or on the beach, so this is as close as I can get to feeling like I’m home.”
The mum-of-three turned to interiors brand Soho Home to help deck her home out with furniture and gave an insight into her bold choices.
She continued: “I was always in [Soho Home’s] showroom trying to buy everything, and they said ‘We can help you!’
“It’s all very warm and casual, but glamorous. It’s theatrical, which is a bit like me as a person I suppose.
“I’m Agatha Christie-obsessed; I think that’s why I love Soho Home. It reminds me of Murder on the Orient Express – the craftsmanship and the glamour.
“It feels as if someone should be playing jazz in a corner, or smoking a cigar.”
Since embarking on her new chapter, Isla has now swapped out house parties for relaxation and unwinding.
The Confessions of a Shopaholic star said: “Trying to create a new life from a grassroots level, at least emotionally, has been challenging, but deeply rewarding.
Her stunning new home boasts chic interiors from Soho HomeCredit: ELLE Decoration/Ben AndersIsla has given a peek into her London mansionCredit: ELLE Decoration/Ben AndersHer home is a safe haven for her to relax and unwindCredit: ELLE Decoration/Ben AndersIsla’s new home reflects her new quieter lifestyleCredit: ELLE Decoration/Ben AndersThe cosy bedroom is decked out in warm orange and earth coloursCredit: ELLE Decoration/Ben Anders
“I’m enjoying this new version of my life. I don’t need to party in my house anymore. I love to get in the bath.
“I’ll light some candles, bring in my laptop and put on something on Netflix. That’s as exciting as it gets.”
Isla and Sacha first met in 2001 and married in 2010. They were believed to have been one of the strongest marriages in showbusiness – before quietly separating in 2023.
In June this year, they announced the finalisation of their £120 million pound divorce, 14 months after publicly announcing their separation.
In a message, posted simultaneously on both their Instagram pages, the pair said: “Our divorce has now been finalised.
“We are proud of all we’ve achieved together and, continuing our great respect for each other, we remain friends and committed to co-parenting our wonderful children.
“We ask for the media to continue to respect our children’s privacy.”
The full feature can be found in the December/January issue of ELLE Decoration on sale from 13 November.
The actress is best known for her leading role in Confessions of a ShopaholicCredit: GettyShe and Sacha Baran Cohen finalised their divorce earlier this yearCredit: EPA