Studio Ghibli and Japanese Publishers Call for OpenAI to Cease Training on Their Intellectual Property
A Japanese trade organization representing prominent publishers, including Studio Ghibli, recently sent a letter to OpenAI urging the company to cease using their copyrighted materials for training its AI models without permission. This collective call comes amid concerns over OpenAI’s generative AI applications drawing inspiration from iconic films like “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” The surge in popularity of OpenAI’s tools, particularly the ChatGPT image generator, has led to a trend where users create images reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s distinctive style.
The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) voiced its objections specifically regarding OpenAI’s Sora app, which allows more users to generate content using copyrighted visuals. CODA emphasizes that under Japanese law, it is typically necessary to obtain prior consent before utilizing copyrighted works for any form of training or generative purposes.
OpenAI’s historically permissive approach to copyright material has opened the door for users to generate derivative works, prompting outrage from various rights holders, including Nintendo and the estate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High-profile instances of copyright infringement in the U.S. have led to complex legal battles, with a clear legislative framework still in flux; however, CODA’s stance suggests that such actions could indeed violate Japanese copyright law.
Jeffrey McCarthy, a legal representative for CODA, highlighted that the insistence on permission stems from serious concerns over the potential replication of logos, characters, and other recognizable elements from their works during the AI training process. In Japan, copyright law does not offer a retreat for organizations that fail to seek permission beforehand, thereby increasing the risk of legal action against OpenAI.
Hayao Miyazaki, a key figure at Studio Ghibli, has expressed disdain for AI-generated adaptations of his animated works. He has previously remarked that AI replication of animation is “an insult to life itself,” a statement underlining the cultural importance and emotional resonance of Ghibli’s artistic practices.
As the conversation about the intersection of AI technology and intellectual property continues to evolve, OpenAI now faces a critical decision: comply with the requests made by Japanese publishers or risk facing the ramifications of legal disputes in response to their AI training methods.
For further reading, you can check CODA’s letter and details on OpenAI’s impact on various franchises.
Discover the pinnacle of WordPress auto blogging technology with AutomationTools.AI. Harnessing the power of cutting-edge AI algorithms, AutomationTools.AI emerges as the foremost solution for effortlessly curating content from RSS feeds directly to your WordPress platform. Say goodbye to manual content curation and hello to seamless automation, as this innovative tool streamlines the process, saving you time and effort. Stay ahead of the curve in content management and elevate your WordPress website with AutomationTools.AI—the ultimate choice for efficient, dynamic, and hassle-free auto blogging. Learn More
