Lawyer Says Studio Ghibli Could Take Legal Action Against OpenAI

OpenAI’s ChatGPT AI chatbot tool has recently gained significant attention for its ability to generate images reminiscent of the iconic style of Studio Ghibli, the renowned animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki. The trend quickly became popular, with even OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman joining in on the fun by joking about being transformed into a “twink ghibli style” on social media.

However, OpenAI has now started implementing changes to crack down on the trend, leading to a debate on copyright and the ethical use of generative AI. According to AI expert Rob Rosenberg, Studio Ghibli may have legal grounds to take action against OpenAI for using its trademarked style without permission. The Lanham Act, a federal trademark law, could potentially be invoked by Ghibli to claim that OpenAI is trading off the studio’s goodwill and infringing on its trademarks.

Rosenberg also highlighted the potential issue of OpenAI training its AI models on copyrighted material, including works from Studio Ghibli. This has resulted in lawsuits against OpenAI, with the company facing challenges over its approach to data sourcing for its models.

While the legal implications remain uncertain, the debate surrounding fair use and copyright infringement in AI development continues. The possibility of AI developers compensating copyright holders and giving credit for the use of their content is being considered as a potential solution.

Aside from legal concerns, there are also implications for Studio Ghibli’s ability to monetize its signature style. The rise of AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT could limit Ghibli’s potential to launch its own image transformation tool and may lead to the unauthorized creation of animated projects in the studio’s distinctive style.

In essence, the intersection of AI technology and copyright law raises complex ethical and legal questions that require careful consideration moving forward. The balance between innovation and respecting intellectual property rights remains a key issue in the evolving landscape of AI development.