Cameo sues OpenAI over “Cameo” feature in Sora app

Cameo, the celebrity-video marketplace founded in 2017, has filed a trademark-infringement lawsuit against OpenAI in a California federal court, alleging that OpenAI’s use of the term “cameo” in its newly launched Sora app feature confuses consumers and dilutes Cameo’s branding.

The complaint argues that Sora’s “Cameos” feature, released on 30 September 2025, allows users to create AI-generated video likenesses, including of celebrities, and thus enters into direct competition with Cameo’s business model of personalized videos featuring real talent. Cameo contends that OpenAI “intentionally selected” the name to ride on its established goodwill, and fears that the term will be associated with “ersatz, hastily made AI slop and deepfakes featuring celebrities.”

In a statement, Cameo CEO Steven Galanis said, “We do not take litigation lightly. While we attempted to resolve this matter with OpenAI amicably, they refused to stop using the Cameo name for their new Sora feature … To protect fans, talent, and the integrity of our marketplace, we felt that we unfortunately had no other option but to bring this lawsuit.”

OpenAI responded that it “disagrees” with the claim and maintains that “no one can claim exclusive ownership over the word ‘cameo’.”

Cameo is seeking unspecified monetary damages and an injunction preventing OpenAI from using the terms “cameo” or “cameos” in association with its product offerings.

This legal action underscores the growing tensions at the intersection of artificial intelligence, celebrity imagery, and platform branding. For Pakistan’s digital and creative ecosystem, where AI-driven content is rapidly gaining traction, it serves as a cautionary tale about trademark exposure, consumer confusion, and the reputational risks associated with AI-generated likenesses.