OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly shared email exchanges on X with Jason Rugolo, founder of Iyo, a hearing device startup. Iyo is suing OpenAI over its upcoming device, 'io,' alleging trademark infringement. The shared emails reveal Rugolo pitched Altman an investment opportunity in March, describing Iyo as an 'AI-meets-audio hardware company.' Altman declined, citing his work on a competing device. The move to publicize these private conversations intensifies the legal battle and puts a spotlight on the pre-lawsuit interactions between the two companies, potentially influencing public perception of the trademark dispute.