It was long expected; OpenAI, operators of the ground-breaking AI platform ChatGPT, is sending Cease & Desist letters to operators of services using domains with the “GPT” acronym.
As reported by the owner of SiteGPT.ai, a company called Brandshield sent the email that reads as follows:
OpenAl brand guideline outreach – https://sitegpt.ai
openai <openai@brandshield.com>
to bhanu@sitegpt.ai5/4/2023
https://sitegpt.ai/?via=ph&ref=producthunt
Re: OpenAl brand guideline outreach
Dear Team,
We are contacting you on behalf of our client OpenAl, Inc. (“OpenAl”). Our job is to work with developers to ensure that they are marketing their products in accordance with OpenAl’s brand guidelines https://openai.com/brand and in a way that doesn’t create confusion for the consumer.
Today, we’re writing regarding your use of the mark “GPT” in connection with ‘Site GPT’ product.
Stating “GPT” is inaccurate and may imply a partnership or endorsement where there isn’t one. If your project uses GPT-3, GPT-4, or ChatGPT you may choose to say in the Product description (not in the Product/Site name) that it is “Powered by GPT-3” or “Powered by GPT-4” or “Powered by ChatGPT” and/or “Powered by DALL-E” as applicable. We do not permit model names in products/site titles because there is concern that it can confuse end users, and it also triggers our enforcement mechanisms. It’s important to identify the GPT-3, GPT-4, or ChatGPT (or DALL-E) model specifically, as opposed to just referencing GPT.
Please reply to this message by 05.10.2023 to let us know that you received it and intend to make the applicable changes. If you have any questions, please contact us directly at openai@brandshield.com.
Sincerely,
BrandShield Ltd.
Operating from Brandshield.com, it’s “a brand-oriented digital risk protection company, that specializes in monitoring, detection, and removal of digital threats such as phishing attempts, executive impersonation, counterfeit products, trademark infringements, and more.”
In other words, Brandhield is not a law firm but it’s a brand protection agency handling claims on behalf of intellectual property owners, with affinity to lawyers and law firms most likely.
This is really bad news for anyone that has created a “GPT” brand or who is attempting to sell products with the “GPT” brand, as we’ve predicted.
OpenAI has currently filed a UDRP against the domain ChatGPT.com that it does not own. The company has new guidelines about how its brands can be used.
Kudos: Bogdan Vovchuk via Twitter.
