With the highly anticipated OpenAI GPT Store on the horizon, poised to become the go-to marketplace for generative chatbots, concerns are arising even before its official launch. Developers are sounding the alarm as copycat apps begin to emerge, mirroring the early challenges faced by the Apple App Store in 2008. Rebecca Nagel, VP of AI at 1105 Media, recently reported that her GPT app, Copy Edit Pro, had been copied without authorization, raising questions about intellectual property protection and the potential pitfalls of OpenAI’s latest venture.

OpenAI GPT Store challenges – Copycat apps emerge

Despite the GPT Store not being publicly accessible yet, developers who subscribe to ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise have gained early access to create custom GPTs. However, this privilege has led to an unexpected issue—copycat apps. Rebecca Nagel’s experience with her GPT app being copied without permission highlights the challenges of protecting intellectual property in this evolving landscape.

The OpenAI developer forum has become a hub for discussions on this pressing issue. Developers are actively engaged in conversations about the possibility of exact GPT copies and the need for solutions before the GPT Store officially launches. With concerns about the potential misuse of GPT apps, the community is awaiting guidance from OpenAI to address these challenges.

The nature of GPTs, often comprised of customized prompts and supporting files, presents a unique challenge for protecting intellectual property. As developers invest time and effort into creating GPTs, questions are raised about OpenAI’s responsibility in ensuring the security and exclusivity of these creations. The absence of clarity on intellectual property rights within the GPT Store adds to the uncertainty.

The future of GPTs and the OpenAI platform

Greg Gunn, co-founder and CEO of Commit, a company developing an AI-assisted job search app, expressed confidence in OpenAI’s ability to address abuse and maintain a secure platform. While acknowledging the current uncertainty surrounding payment mechanisms for developers, Gunn believes OpenAI will handle these issues effectively.

Gunn emphasizes the potential for GPT builders to impact users significantly, particularly in the customization of enterprise workflows. Despite concerns about protecting low-code creations, Gunn sees the absence of a moat as an advantage for those focused on creating tailored solutions for businesses.

In the absence of a clear payment model, companies like Commit see the initial stage of the GPT Store as an opportunity for user acquisition. Gunn views the OpenAI platform as a valuable tool for testing features without extensive work on the client app or backend, providing accessibility for rapid iteration and experimentation.

As the OpenAI GPT Store approaches its launch, the challenges of copycat apps raise critical questions about intellectual property protection and the overall governance of the platform. Developers eagerly await guidance from OpenAI to ensure a secure environment for their creations. The uncertainties surrounding payment mechanisms and intellectual property rights cast a shadow over the potential success of the GPT Store. Will OpenAI address these concerns effectively, or are developers entering uncharted territory with their GPT creations?