diff --git a/ai_models/checkpoint.py b/ai_models/checkpoint.py
index eef0a56..889557b 100644
--- a/ai_models/checkpoint.py
+++ b/ai_models/checkpoint.py
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 # granted to it by virtue of its status as an intergovernmental organisation
 # nor does it submit to any jurisdiction.
 
-import json
 import logging
 import os
 import pickle
@@ -50,24 +49,6 @@ def tidy(x):
     return x
 
 
-def checkpoint_metadata(path, name="ai-models.json"):
-    with zipfile.ZipFile(path, "r") as f:
-        metadata = None
-        for b in f.namelist():
-            if os.path.basename(b) == name:
-                if metadata is not None:
-                    raise Exception(
-                        f"Found two metadata.json files in {path}: {metadata} and {b}"
-                    )
-                metadata = b
-
-    if metadata is not None:
-        with zipfile.ZipFile(path, "r") as f:
-            return json.load(f.open(metadata, "r"))
-
-    return None
-
-
 def peek(path):
     with zipfile.ZipFile(path, "r") as f:
         data_pkl = None
diff --git a/ai_models/model.py b/ai_models/model.py
index e2bbfe1..e52e2cc 100644
--- a/ai_models/model.py
+++ b/ai_models/model.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 from climetlab.utils.humanize import seconds
 from multiurl import download
 
-from .checkpoint import checkpoint_metadata, peek
+from .checkpoint import peek
 from .inputs import get_input
 from .outputs import get_output
 from .stepper import Stepper
@@ -396,9 +396,6 @@ def patch_retrieve_request(self, request):
     def peek_into_checkpoint(self, path):
         return peek(path)
 
-    def checkpoint_metadata(self, path):
-        return checkpoint_metadata(path)
-
     def parse_model_args(self, args):
         if args:
             raise NotImplementedError(f"This model does not accept arguments {args}")