TL;DR:
- OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, has filed trademark applications for “GPT-6” and “GPT-7” in China.
- Despite internal controversies, OpenAI remains committed to advancing AI technology.
- ChatGPT, with 180 million users, initially launched with GPT-3.5 and introduced GPT-4 in March.
- The trademark applications were submitted under class 9 (scientific and research equipment) and class 42 (technology designs and services).
- OpenAI faces challenges in securing approvals for GPT-4, Whispers, and GPT-5 trademarks.
- CEO Sam Altman hinted at enhanced capabilities for future LLM iterations but did not disclose a release date.
- OpenAI looks to Microsoft for funding, with a $10 billion investment already in place.
- GPT-5 is expected to feature a substantial increase in parameters, enhancing its capabilities.
- Chinese competitors, like Baidu, are investing heavily in AI chatbots, but they must adhere to strict government guidelines.
- Some AI chatbots in China evade sensitive topics, reflecting the government’s censorship requirements.
Main AI News:
OpenAI, the organization renowned for its leading AI chatbot, ChatGPT, has officially submitted trademark applications for the terms “GPT-6” and “GPT-7” within the jurisdiction of China. Despite recent internal controversies and leadership upheavals, OpenAI’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence remains resolute, as evidenced by these trademark applications.
ChatGPT, a platform that currently boasts a user base of 180 million individuals, made its debut a year ago, leveraging the GPT-3.5 multimodal large language model (LLM). OpenAI subsequently introduced the improved GPT-4 in March, marking a significant milestone in its AI journey.
These recent trademark applications represent OpenAI’s continued dedication to innovation and expansion. Interestingly, it’s worth noting that ChatGPT is currently unavailable in China and Hong Kong due to the government’s stringent online censorship laws. Nonetheless, OpenAI has taken the proactive step of submitting trademark applications for “GPT-6” and “GPT-7” with the China National Intellectual Property Administration.
The applications fall under two distinct categories: class 9, encompassing scientific and research equipment, and class 42, which pertains to technology designs and services. These filings were made under the banner of OpenAI OpCo, the parent entity of OpenAI.
It is essential to recognize that these trademark applications are forward-looking, given OpenAI’s ongoing challenges. The organization has yet to secure approvals for its GPT-4, Whispers, and GPT-5 trademark applications, which were submitted in April and July, respectively.
OpenAI has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of its forthcoming LLM iterations. Nevertheless, in a November interview, CEO Sam Altman hinted at their enhanced capabilities, refraining from disclosing a release date. To fund the development and training costs for GPT-5, OpenAI is pinning its hopes on Microsoft, which has already invested a substantial $10 billion in the startup valued at $29 billion.
While GPT-3, the initial version of the LLM, was constructed with 175 billion parameters, the parameters of GPT-4 have not been officially disclosed, though reports suggest it surpasses a trillion. GPT-5 is anticipated to feature even more parameters, making it significantly more capable than its predecessors.
In the race for AI supremacy within the Chinese market, ChatGPT’s competitors are making substantial investments. Baidu, often referred to as China’s equivalent to Google, has emerged as a frontrunner with its Ernie chatbot, which made its debut in late August. However, it’s essential to recognize that chatbots operating in China must strictly adhere to the government’s positions on sensitive issues such as COVID-19, the Russian-Ukraine conflict, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and more. One AI chatbot developed by a Microsoft spin-off adopts evasive tactics or claims exhaustion when confronted with these sensitive topics.
Conclusion:
OpenAI’s trademark applications for GPT-6 and GPT-7 in China signify the organization’s determination to expand its AI offerings despite existing challenges. This move demonstrates OpenAI’s strategic focus on global market presence and its ongoing pursuit of innovation. As the AI landscape evolves, competition in China remains fierce, with companies like Baidu vying for dominance while navigating stringent government regulations.
