OpenAI, the renowned AI research lab, has recently applied to trademark the name ‘GPT’ due to the increasing number of AI chatbots with this name. The name “GPT” has become synonymous with Artificial Intelligence around the world and has ridden the wave of success of “ChatGPT.” However, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rejected the application to expedite the procedure. OpenAI had released its first “Generative Pre-trained Transformer” model back in 2018, yet has only recently decided to trademark ‘GPT’.
OpenAI’s battle to trademark ‘GPT’ is difficult, especially with many other companies following its footsteps. The company has to prove that ‘GPT’ is its own proprietary product, and not something commonly associated with generative AI. Still, it may be able to emerge victorious given its reputation and clout. OpenAI could argument that “GPT” is a famous trademark associated with a popular company, and is now effectively synonymous with AI technology.
OpenAI is a major research lab that focuses predominantly on Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. It was founded in 2015 by tech moguls Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Elon Musk, Peter Thiel and others. OpenAI is supported in its research work by major companies such as Microsoft, Amazon and IBM. The company is focused on driving the field of Artificial Intelligence forward and allowing for public access to AI research for private and business use.
Greg Brockman is the co-founder and CTO of OpenAI. Before OpenAI, he has been involved in several titles at companies such as Stripe, Y Combinator, Betable and Stack Finance. In 2013, Brockman was given the Entrepreneur Of The Year award from the San Francisco Business Times. He actively contributes to AI research work and to the OpenAI mission.
OpenAI wants to trademark “GPT” to ensure that there is no confusion over who owns the technology. If the trademark application succeeds, OpenAI will retain exclusive rights to use the name and prevent potential legal complications. It remains to be seen, however, if OpenAI’s application to trademark “GPT” will be approved, and if so, how it will affect the wider AI industry.
