Cameo sues OpenAI over Sora 2’s ‘Cameo’ feature name

Cameo, the celebrity video message platform, has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against OpenAI in California federal court over the AI company’s use of the name “Cameo” for a Sora 2 feature. The legal action adds to mounting challenges for OpenAI’s video generation model, which has already faced multiple celebrity likeness complaints and public apologies since its launch.

What you should know: Cameo’s lawsuit targets OpenAI’s virtual likeness feature that shares the same name as the celebrity platform.

• The company claims OpenAI is diluting its brand by using “Cameo” for a feature that allows users to create and share virtual likenesses on Sora 2.
• Cameo argues this directly threatens its business model by offering users a choice between authentic celebrity videos from its platform or AI-generated celebrity content from Sora.
• An OpenAI spokesperson said the company “disagrees that anyone can claim exclusive ownership over the word cameo” while reviewing the complaint.

The big picture: Sora 2 has struggled with legal and ethical issues since launch, particularly around celebrity likeness rights.

• Users initially created disrespectful recreations of deceased celebrities despite OpenAI’s safeguards requiring opt-in consent for celebrity likeness usage.
• Actor Bryan Cranston and major filmmaker and actor boards complained about the model’s effectiveness, prompting public apologies from OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman.
• The company has repeatedly modified safeguarding rules and copyright handling processes in response to complaints.

What they’re saying: Cameo’s lawsuit highlights the competitive threat posed by AI-generated celebrity content.

• “Users seeking a personalized celebrity video now have a choice – use Plaintiff’s CAMEO service to book talent and receive an authentic, custom video prepared by that celebrity, or use Sora’s ‘Cameo’ service to create an extremely realistic AI-generated video featuring a celebrity’s likeness,” the lawsuit stated.

Looking ahead: Sam Altman recently posted on X about plans to add age-gating features to OpenAI products, potentially allowing users to generate 18+ content.

• While unclear if these features will extend to Sora 2, they could create additional complications for the already embattled video model.
• The development suggests OpenAI continues expanding content creation capabilities despite ongoing legal challenges.