OpenAI Wins Trademark Lawsuit Against Rival Over Similar Company Name

by Alexandra Agraz | Jul 25, 2025
A smartphone displaying the ChatGPT interface in front of an OpenAI logo. Photo Source: Adobe Stock Image

A federal judge in California has ruled that OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, holds the rights to its name and can prevent a smaller tech firm from using a similar one.

In a decision issued July 21, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found that OpenAI’s trademark was valid and had been violated by a competing business called Open Artificial Intelligence Inc., created by entrepreneur Guy Ravine. The court determined that Ravine misled the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and attempted to benefit from OpenAI’s growing name recognition by offering products under a closely matching brand.

As a result of the ruling, Ravine’s company is permanently prohibited from using “Open AI” or any related variation in its marketing, websites, or products. The court also canceled Ravine’s registered trademark and ordered that related online services be taken offline.

Both companies are based in San Francisco and operate in the artificial intelligence sector. Ravine registered the domain open.ai in early 2015, before OpenAI formally launched later that year. However, the judge found that Ravine did not begin offering commercial products until after OpenAI had already released tools such as ChatGPT and DALL·E 2.

According to the order, Ravine provided inaccurate information to federal authorities when applying for trademark protection. The judge concluded that he did so knowingly, intending to mislead the government. Even if Ravine had limited early use of the name, the court found his later decision to release similar technology caused confusion and infringed on OpenAI’s rights.

The court also noted that by late 2022, OpenAI had established strong public recognition through media coverage and a large user base. Evidence showed that customers had difficulty distinguishing between the two companies.

OpenAI filed the lawsuit in 2023, arguing that its competitor was creating confusion and attempting to use the name to gain attention. The court agreed and ordered a permanent injunction to stop further use.

An attorney for Ravine said they disagree with the decision and plan to appeal.

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Alexandra Agraz
Alexandra Agraz
Alexandra Agraz is a former Diplomatic Aide with firsthand experience in facilitating high-level international events, including the signing of critical economic and political agreements between the United States and Mexico. She holds dual associate degrees in Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, and Film, blending a diverse academic background in diplomacy, culture, and storytelling. This unique combination enables her to provide nuanced perspectives on global relations and cultural narratives.