Recently, a sensational controversy has erupted in the field of artificial intelligence. The startup IYO, spun off from Google X Lab, has accused OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman of plagiarizing its smart earpiece technology and attempting to cover up this act by acquiring Jony Ive's company IO for 6.5 billion dollars.

IYO Accuses: OpenAI Suspected of Stealing Smart Earpiece Technology

IYO is a startup that has been focusing on developing AI-driven smart earpieces since 2018. Its products aim to replace traditional smart devices through voice control and screenless interaction technology. According to IYO's statement, Sam Altman and the OpenAI team had previously contacted them, gaining detailed knowledge of IYO's smart earpiece technology and related intellectual property. However, after refusing to cooperate, OpenAI quickly partnered with Jony Ive, the former chief design officer of Apple, and had him personally test IYO's smart earpiece product.

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IYO further stated that OpenAI subsequently launched an AI hardware project highly similar to IYO's technology and acquired Jony Ive's startup company for a staggering 6.5 billion dollars, naming it "IO." IYO believes that "IO" not only shares a similar name (both pronounced "aio") but also涉嫌抄袭 in product philosophy and technical direction. IYO's CEO Jason Rugolo publicly stated, "After Jony Ive used our AI earphones, OpenAI directly copied our core concept. This is an unethical business practice."

Trademark Dispute Escalates: OpenAI Forced to Remove Promotional Content

This dispute not only involves technological plagiarism but also extends to trademark issues. IYO officially filed a lawsuit with the court on June 9, 2025, accusing OpenAI, Sam Altman, Jony Ive, and his company IO of infringing on its trademark rights. IYO's latest product, "IYO ONE," is a wearable ear device that uses bone conduction technology and dedicated microphones for voice control, overlapping significantly in functionality with IO's screenless AI device currently under development.

Due to a temporary injunction issued by the court, OpenAI was forced to remove all promotional content related to IO from its official website and social media platforms on June 22, 2025, including a nine-minute promotional video featuring Sam Altman and Jony Ive. In its response, OpenAI stated, "We disagree with IYO's trademark allegations and are evaluating our response strategies." However, this move has further intensified external doubts about OpenAI's commercial ethics.

Background of the IO Project: OpenAI and Jony Ive's Ambitions

On May 21, 2025, OpenAI announced a stock transaction worth 6.5 billion dollars to fully acquire Jony Ive's startup company IO, marking its largest acquisition to date. IO was co-founded by Jony Ive and former Apple executives Scott Cannon, Tang Tan, and Evans Hankey, focusing on developing "next-generation AI-driven consumer devices." According to OpenAI, IO's first product is expected to launch in 2026, positioning itself as a "screenless, context-aware portable device" aimed at revolutionizing user interaction with AI.

Sam Altman stated upon announcing the acquisition, "We hope to create a new AI computer that goes beyond smartphones." Jony Ive emphasized, "My experience in design over the past 30 years has convinced me that this product will redefine the interaction between technology and humans." However, IYO's accusations have cast a shadow over this ambitious project.

Industry Impact: Intensifying Competition in AI Hardware

This controversy not only reveals the conflict between OpenAI and IYO but also reflects the increasingly fierce competition in the AI hardware field. In recent years, screenless devices such as smart glasses and AI earpieces have become a hot spot for tech giants and startups alike. For example, Meta's AI smart glasses, developed in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, have achieved market success, while Google, Samsung, and Warby Parker are also working on similar products.

IYO, a "graduate" of Google X Lab, has raised 60 million dollars in funding since 2018, and its technological accumulation is no small matter. In contrast, OpenAI's previous attempts in the hardware field have not been smooth, such as the Humane AI Pin, which was acquired by HP due to poor market response. This dispute may further affect OpenAI's reputation and strategy in the AI hardware field.

Innovation Must Adhere to Commercial Ethics

AIbase believes that the dispute between OpenAI and IYO is not just a trademark and technology battle but also a test of commercial ethics in the tech industry. In today's rapidly evolving AI technology landscape, innovation and competition are important, but respecting intellectual property rights and fair cooperation are equally essential. As a leading enterprise in the AI field, OpenAI's subsequent response will directly impact its brand image and industry trust.

Currently, IYO's litigation is ongoing, and the final court ruling will determine the outcome of this dispute.