The U.S. Copyright Office has determined that works created with AI assistance can receive copyright protection, provided they exhibit perceptible human creativity.
This ruling follows a comprehensive review initiated in 2023, which garnered feedback from over 10,000 stakeholders, including AI developers and artists.
The diverse public comments reflected a range of opinions on the implications of AI in creative fields, influencing the Copyright Office's decision.
The ruling aims to balance the integrity of artistic expression with the need for technological innovation in the arts.
Creatives are encouraged to demonstrate their contributions to AI-generated works, rather than relying solely on AI prompts for copyright claims.
The report indicates that a majority of public comments supported the view that fully AI-generated content should not be eligible for copyright.
The ongoing debates surrounding AI-generated art highlight concerns about ownership and the future of creativity, particularly in the context of copyright law.
The report is part of a series examining AI and copyright, with future discussions anticipated on the legality of training AI on copyrighted material.
Questions persist regarding the necessary level of human involvement for copyright protection, as well as the potential for alternative legal frameworks for AI-generated content.
While the report provides guidance for judges and policymakers, it is not legally binding, indicating that existing copyright laws are adequate for addressing AI-related creations.
Shira Perlmutter, the Register of Copyrights, emphasized that human creativity is central to copyright protections, warning against extending rights to works primarily determined by machines.
Current intellectual property law maintains that material created entirely by AI is not eligible for copyright protection, emphasizing the need for human authorship.
