Streamlabs removes brand affiliation with OBS Studio after backlash
Content creation software company Streamlabs announced the removal of brand affiliation with OBS Studio. Formerly known as Streamlabs OBS (SLOBS), this popular streaming software is based on the open-source OBS application. Over the last several years, the company has gained notoriety through its successful marketing and partnerships with top content creators such as Imane “Pokimane” Anys and Richard Tyler Blevins or “Ninja.”
OBS Studio speaks out against Streamlabs
On Nov. 16, OBS tweeted the organization’s frustration with Streamlabs, revealing that it originally denied the company the right to use its name. “We kindly asked them not to. They did so anyway and followed up by filing a trademark,” OBS tweeted.
Near the launch of SLOBS, @streamlabs reached out to us about using the OBS name. We kindly asked them not to. They did so anyway and followed up by filing a trademark
We’ve tried to sort this out in private and they have been uncooperative at every turnhttps://t.co/r1eXr3VxcJ
— OBS (@OBSProject) November 17, 2021
Despite efforts made by the company to settle the dispute privately, it stated that Streamlabs has been “uncooperative” and continued using its name.
“We’re often faced with confused users and even companies who do not understand the difference between the two apps,” tweeted OBS. “Support volunteers are sometimes met with angry users demanding refunds. We’ve had interactions with several companies who do not realize our apps were separate.”
Furthermore, the open source application criticized Streamlabs, insisting the streaming service “repeatedly disregarded the spirit of open source and giving back.” Despite this situation, OBS says it will continue to provide free, open source software for the community.
OBS’ statements came in response to a tweet by Lightstream CEO and Co-founder Stu Grubbs, who criticized Streamlabs for copying the Lightstream website layout. Also, Grubbs showed evidence that Streamlabs copied official Lighstream reviews word for word.
The team at @streamlabs should be ashamed. Not satisfied enough to ride @OBSProject’s hard work. Now to copy ours down to the layout and every word on our marketing site and our UX in this product. https://t.co/Lot2KPh72y
— STU 🎮🎥🎙 (@StuV2) November 16, 2021
A response comes to light
In response to OBS’ statements, Streamlabs says the organization is “taking immediate action to remove OBS from [its] name.” They continue by specifying that Streamlabs is an open source software based on the OBS platform.
“We take responsibility for our actions and will support the community,” Streamlabs tweeted.
— Streamlabs (@streamlabs) November 17, 2021
Minna Adel Rubio is an esports journalist with an interest in first-person-shooter games. She specializes in class-based, arena, and tactical shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Valorant, Overwatch, and Team Fortress 2. Additionally, Minna is a senior CS:GO guides writer at Dignitas and a graduate student. Catch her on Twitter for memes and more content!
