Generative AI and Copyright

AI-generated content is very convenient, but does it have copyright protection?

✅ Yes! If you contribute creativity and original input
If you treat AI as an assistive tool (e.g., drafting your ideas first, then refining them with AI), the resulting work is considered original, and you can enjoy copyright protection!

❌ No! If you simply input keywords and let AI generate content by itself
If a piece is purely generated by AI without human creativity, it does not constitute a work of authorship and is not protected by copyright!

AI-generated content is convenient — but what kind of behavior may be illegal?

⚠️ Using AI to generate images of protected characters (e.g., well-known fictional figures) and sharing them online
Even if the image is AI-generated, it may still constitute unauthorized reproduction and public transmission, which can lead to compensation or legal liability.

⚠️ Using AI-generated works made by others to create commercial products (e.g., figurines)
If the image contains elements that are already protected by copyright (like well-known characters), then even if the AI-generated image itself lacks copyright protection, you may still be infringing upon the original copyright holder’s rights!

Due to the nature of AI, its outputs do not automatically enjoy copyright protection. However, if AI is used to reproduce works that do have copyright protection, it may instead infringe on others’ rights.

As generative AI continues to rise in popularity, it's important to be cautious and act responsibly when using AI to create or produce content — otherwise, you may be held legally accountable!

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