Commentary
OpenAI Sued By Cameo Over Trademark Infringement In Sora’s Celebrity Likeness Feature
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Celebrity video platform Cameo is suing OpenAI in California federal court, alleging the “Cameo” feature in OpenAI’s new Sora video generation app infringes on its trademark rights. The lawsuit claims OpenAI’s use of the Cameo name for virtual likenesses will cause consumer confusion and dilute Cameo’s brand.
Cameo CEO Steven Galanis said the company attempted to resolve the dispute “amicably,” but OpenAI refused to abandon the Cameo name. An OpenAI spokesperson responded that the company is reviewing the complaint, but “disagrees that anyone can claim exclusive ownership over the word ‘cameo.'”
According to Reuters, the lawsuit highlights direct competition between the platforms. Cameo, founded in 2017, enables users to commission personalized videos from celebrities. OpenAI’s Sora, launched as a standalone app on September 30, allows users to create and share AI-generated videos with celebrity “Cameos.”
“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 complaint states.
Creator Participation Varies
Jake Paul represents one creator who is embracing the technology. The boxer and influencer opted in to allow his likeness to be used on Sora, responding with humor to AI impersonations across social media platforms, even sharing a Sora-created video of himself having a meltdown at Starbucks.
Paul’s approach contrasts with broader entertainment industry resistance. Major talent agencies, including WME (William Morris Endeavor) and CAA (Creative Artists Agency), express significant concerns, with CAA labeling Sora 2 a “significant risk” to its clients. The Motion Picture Association calls on OpenAI to “prevent infringement” of “films, shows, and characters.”
Cameo seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court order blocking OpenAI from using the “Cameo” name.
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