As OpenAI navigates a trademark dispute over its now-removed “io” branding, new public court documents provide the clearest look yet at the activities of Sam Altman and Jony Ive’s hardware team behind the scenes.
‘Not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device’
According to reports from The Verge and Bloomberg, the legal contention arises from a lawsuit filed by iyO, a startup backed by Google. iyO argues that OpenAI’s “io” branding from its newly established io Products, Inc. is too similar.
However, there’s more to the tale. As detailed by TechCrunch, recently released documents indicate that OpenAI personnel, including Tang Tan, a former Apple executive now serving as Chief Hardware Officer of io Products, had met with iyO CEO Jason Rugolo to “learn more about iyO’s in-ear product.” Internal emails suggest that the meetings were not particularly fruitful, as the team grew unimpressed following several unsuccessful demonstrations.
Interestingly, the new documentation reveals that OpenAI has spent a significant amount of time examining in-ear devices and the broader headphone market and audio technology.
Despite this, Ten’s declaration to the court states that their upcoming AI product “is not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device.”
He added that the design, which Sam Altman previously described as something that “fits in your pocket or sits on your desk,” is still in the works, with a launch at least a year away.
As for Altman, he also provided a declaration to the court, asserting, “Our goal with this collaboration was, and continues to be, to develop products that transcend traditional offerings and interfaces.”
Despite downplays, OpenAI is examining in-ear ergonomics closely
While legal documents assert that io’s product is “not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device,” emails from iyO indicate that OpenAI and io were particularly interested in a specific element of iyO’s technology: its 3D ear-scanning method.
To create customized earpieces, iyO employs technicians to scan users’ ears with specialized equipment, a process that attracted the attention of ex-Apple engineer Marwan Rammah, now part of io’s team. In an email to Tan, Rammah proposed purchasing a database of ear scans from iyO’s vendor, labeling it a “helpful starting point for ergonomics.”
On its part, iyO devoted several months trying to leverage that interest into a more substantial partnership. Court documents reveal that iyO’s CEO consistently pitched OpenAI on possibilities for investment, collaboration, or even acquiring iyO for up to $200 million. Ultimately, Tan declined the offers.
Finally, in another court statement, Evans Hankey, also a former Apple executive now leading design at io, made it clear: “io has no current plans to offer a custom-molded earpiece product.”
What do you think OpenAI and Jony Ive’s team might be developing? Share your thoughts in the comments.
