Hundreds of companies riding on the all-access AI wagon have been using GPT in their products for the past three years. Hundreds more have emerged or created new brands using not just the technology, but also now part of the vernacular ChatGPT, as well as the GPT, GPT3, and GPT4 acronyms in their names. OpenAI now wants to put an end to that.
The company that created and owns these large language models and the GPT mark, as shown on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) site, has begun policing use of these acronyms in brands. Whether the acronym in question is part of a company name or a product brand, OpenAI is sending messages via a third party to those that are not following its branding guidelines.
The message says that “Stating ‘GPT’ is inaccurate and may imply a partnership or endorsement where there isn’t one.” The messages do not have a litigious “cease and desist” tone and are rather diplomatic, but they still make it clear that companies cannot use the name and must apply the company’s branding guidelines. However, the message also gives companies just days to respond and comply.
