Artificial intelligence (AI) has become ever more prevalent in recent years. As the technology has become more advanced, the possibilities for using AI in the arts and entertainment industry have grown. Recently, the US Copyright Office has issued a decision regarding AI-generated comic artwork, ruling that such art does not qualify for US copyright protection.
The decision stated that AI-generated art must meet the criteria for human authorship in order to be eligible for copyright protection. In the decision, it was stated that “copyright protection may apply to an original work of authorship, regardless of the technology process used to create it, only if a human author has contributed intellectual or creative elements to the art”. The Copyright Office went on to say that AI-generated art created solely by a computer algorithm does not qualify as an original work of authorship, even if the artwork contains some degree of creativity or innovation.
This decision has been met with a mixed response from members of the comics community. Those who create their art by hand fear that this ruling could set a dangerous precedent, as it could pave the way for AI to replace human creators. On the other hand, some tech enthusiasts are hopeful that this ruling could open up possibilities for AI-generated art in the comics world, allowing for the creation of entirely new comic artwork and stories.
The decision by the US Copyright Office underscores the potential of AI in the entertainment industry and its implications for the comics world. It is clear that AI can be used to create art, and this decision is a reminder of the importance of distinguishing between art created by humans and that created by machines. As AI technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how this decision influences the future of comic artwork, and how creators and publishers use AI in their work.
