Cameo has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the ChatGPT maker of infringing on its trademark with the new “cameo” feature in Sora 2.
The company claims OpenAI’s use of the name is misleading and harms its brand by associating it with AI-generated deepfake content.
The complaint, filed Tuesday in a California federal court, alleges that OpenAI’s feature “dilutes and tarnishes” Cameo’s image by creating confusion among consumers. Cameo says the feature could make people believe it is connected to what it describes as “AI slop and deepfakes featuring celebrities.”
Cameo, launched in 2017, became popular for allowing fans to buy personalized video messages or live video calls from celebrities and influencers. In contrast, OpenAI’s Sora app—released on September 30—lets users generate AI videos and create deepfake avatars of themselves that others can use. Although some well-known personalities have opted in, reports suggest the app has already been used to make non-consensual deepfakes.
Cameo CEO Steven Galanis said the company tried to resolve the issue privately before filing the lawsuit. “We do not take litigation lightly,” Galanis said in a statement to The Verge. “But to protect fans, talent, and the integrity of our marketplace, we had no other option.”
In its lawsuit, Cameo claims OpenAI “intentionally selected” the name to capitalize on its reputation for authentic celebrity interactions. The company also says the launch of Sora’s cameo feature has led to several third-party websites using the term in ways that further blur brand distinctions.
Cameo is asking for an unspecified amount in damages and wants a court order preventing OpenAI from using the words “cameo” or “cameos” in any of its products.
An OpenAI spokesperson told Reuters that the company is reviewing the complaint but disagrees with Cameo’s claim. “We don’t believe anyone can have exclusive ownership over the word ‘cameo,’” the spokesperson said.
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