UKIPO Dismisses OpenAI ChainGPT Opposition

The UK Intellectual Property Office has rejected an opposition by OpenAI OpCo LLC against a ChainGPT trade mark application. In decision O/0799/26 dated 3 September 2026, Hearing Officer Mr M Bryant found the mark descriptive, concluding that average consumers would not confuse it with ChatGPT despite overlapping goods and services in classes relating to artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. OpenAI had relied on its earlier CHATGPT, GPT and related marks under sections 5(2)(b) and 5(3) of the Trade Marks Act 1994, but the hearing officer held the signs lacked the requisite similarity for a finding of likelihood of confusion or unfair advantage. The decision clears the way for the ChainGPT mark to proceed towards registration.

Small businesses should verify that proposed marks carry sufficient distinctive character before filing to reduce opposition risks.