OpenAI loses EU trademark appeal for its company name

BRUSSELS — OpenAI, the developer of the ChatGPT chatbot, has lost its appeal to register its company name as a trademark in the European Union, according to a ruling by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The office reviewed the file after OpenAI challenged an earlier refusal and ultimately upheld the decision to deny the registration. The ruling complicates OpenAI's strategy for protecting its brand across the EU's single market. It was not immediately clear whether the company would pursue further appeals or request a reassessment of the decision. The case comes as artificial intelligence companies face increased scrutiny over how they secure and defend intellectual property in the bloc. OpenAI has not publicly commented on the EUIPO decision in detail. Legal analysts note that the EUIPO's reasoning could create similar obstacles for other AI firms seeking trademark protection in Europe, though the ruling applies specifically to OpenAI's application. The company did not announce any immediate changes to its operations in the EU.