OpenAI and Cameo: Trademark Dispute Over the Word 'Cameo'

Sora App Faces Trademark Dispute Over "Cameo" Feature

OpenAI's recently released social application, Sora, is currently navigating a legal challenge concerning its Cameo feature. This feature, which enables users to create deepfakes of themselves or others—with appropriate consent—initially sparked debate.

The rollout of Cameo was problematic, requiring intervention from the estate of Martin Luther King Jr. This highlights the sensitivities surrounding the technology. Now, the feature is confronting a new obstacle related to intellectual property.

Trademark Claim by Cameo

The company Cameo—known for offering personalized video messages from celebrities—asserts its ownership of the trademark for the term "cameo."

A temporary restraining order has been issued by U.S. District Judge Eumi K. Lee. This order prevents OpenAI from utilizing the word "cameo," or any terms that sound substantially similar, within the Sora application.

Details of the Restraining Order

The temporary restraining order, which was enacted on November 21, 2025, is scheduled to be lifted on December 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

A court hearing to further address the matter is planned for December 19, 2025, commencing at 11:00 a.m.

Despite the order, the Sora app was still observed employing the term "cameo" as of Monday afternoon.

Statements from Both Companies

Cameo CEO Steven Galanis expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. He stated the ruling acknowledges the necessity of safeguarding consumers from confusion caused by OpenAI’s use of the Cameo trademark.

Galanis further indicated that while the order is temporary, they hope OpenAI will voluntarily cease using the trademark to prevent further damage to the public or the Cameo brand.

OpenAI, however, has publicly disagreed with the claim that the company should be restricted from using the word "cameo." This position was communicated to CNBC.

The dispute centers on whether a common word like "cameo" can be exclusively trademarked, particularly within the context of a new technology like AI-generated content.