The LinkedIn post refers to the ongoing trademark dispute between OpenAI and iyO, a Google-backed hardware startup.
iyO is a company that emerged from Google's X research lab and has been developing a screenless, voice-controlled AI wearable called the "iyO One" since 2021. In May 2025, OpenAI announced a ~$6.4 billion acquisition of former Apple designer Jony Ive's hardware startup called "io Products, Inc.". thefashionlaw
iyO sued OpenAI, Sam Altman, and Jony Ive in June 2025, alleging trademark infringement because both names are phonetically identical and both companies are making AI wearable devices. iyO claims it spent over $60 million and seven years developing its product and that OpenAI representatives had actually pre-ordered iyO devices and met with the company before announcing their competing "io" venture. cnbc
In December 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a trademark injunction barring OpenAI from using the "io" name, validating iyO's claims of "reverse confusion". OpenAI has had to remove all "io" branding, though the underlying acquisition and device development continue. The legal battle could drag on until 2028. ipwatchdog
When Zac Zuo says "Had to patent sth 😂," he appears to be joking about the intellectual property nature of these conflicts—possibly referencing how companies are racing to secure patents and trademarks in the competitive AI hardware space, or commenting on his own work in this area.