Streamlabs put 'OBS' in its name against the project's wishes — dropped it in a day

Streamlabs, formerly Streamlabs OBS, built its streaming software on the open-source Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) framework. According to a tweet from the OBS Project, it had asked Streamlabs not to use the OBS name near launch. Streamlabs did so anyway and then filed a trademark, the OBS Project said, and had been 'uncooperative at every turn'. Logitech owned Streamlabs after buying it for $89 million in 2019.

The controversy flared after Streamlabs launched a console tool, Streamlabs Studio for Xbox, on 16 November 2021. The CEO of rival Lightstream pointed out that its web page matched Lightstream's own, down to word-for-word identical user testimonials. Elgato also suggested Streamlabs had copied one of its products.

Streamers Hasan Piker and Pokimane joined in. Pokimane tweeted that Streamlabs had better resolve the issues or she would ask them to take her face off the platform and use another donation service. Less than a day later, Streamlabs said on 17 November that it would take immediate action to remove OBS from its name.

Forced rename within a day; a top streamer threatened to remove her face from the platform and leave its donation service.

Streamlabs kept 'OBS' in its name after the OBS Project asked it not to, which led many users to assume the two products were closely affiliated.

It filed a trademark after that request, the OBS Project said.

A new product page appeared to copy a rival's page, including identical testimonials, which gave critics a second example.

Prominent streamers who used its donation service publicly threatened to leave unless the issues were resolved.

Borrowing the name of the open-source project you build on invites a fight you cannot win. When partners and your biggest users speak, the rename comes fast.

Streamlabs changed its name on 17 November 2021, dropping OBS. TechCrunch reported that the company and the open-source project had apparently never been on good terms. The article reports no financial effect.