OpenAI can't register GPT as trademark, rules US patent office

The US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has rejected OpenAI’s application to trademark the acronym GPT (generative pre-trained transformer), dealing a blow to the Microsoft-backed company. OpenAI argued that GPT is not a “descriptive word”, but the PTO disagreed, citing extensive and pervasive use of the acronym in the software industry.

The PTO’s decision stated that while consumers may not immediately understand the meaning of “generative pre-trained transformer”, they are accustomed to recognizing “GPT” as a common identifier for a particular type of software featuring AI ask and answer technology. This comes as generative AI use surged last year, leading several AI companies to incorporate GPT into their product names.

OpenAI popularized GPT with the launch of ChatGPT, an AI model that mimics human conversation. The company has since expanded its use of the term to include custom chatbots and text-to-video generation models, such as Sora.

This development reflects the increasing competition and significance of AI technology in the industry, as companies vie for recognition and market share. The decision by the US PTO signals a broader struggle in the AI landscape, as companies seek to carve out their niches and protect their innovations in a rapidly evolving field.

The refusal to grant the GPT trademark to OpenAI underscores the challenges faced by companies in defining and asserting their intellectual property rights in an industry characterized by rapid advancements and fierce competition. As AI continues to permeate various sectors, the issue of trademark protection and recognition takes on greater importance, with implications for the future of innovation and commercialization in the field.