Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s producing music, images, text, and even entire videos that rival human creators. But as more businesses and individuals turn to AI tools for content creation, a critical legal question keeps surfacing: Who owns the rights?
In 2025, courts and the U.S. Copyright Office have doubled down on their stance: AI-generated works without meaningful human input are not eligible for copyright protection. This has huge implications for artists, businesses, and influencers using platforms like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Runway.
Recent Rulings You Should Know
- U.S. Copyright Office Guidance (2024–2025 Updates): The Office has clarified that works created solely by AI are not copyrightable. However, if a human makes “substantial creative choices,” the human portions may be protected.
- Thaler v. Perlmutter (2023 ruling, still guiding 2025): The court confirmed that copyright law protects only human authorship, not AI systems themselves.
- Emerging Litigation in 2025: Several lawsuits are underway involving training datasets (e.g., artists suing AI platforms for using copyrighted images/music to train their models). These cases could determine liability for infringement when AI companies profit from copyrighted material.
What This Means for You
- Creators & Influencers: If you’re using AI to generate art, music, or designs, your protection depends on how much human input you add. Layering, editing, or creatively directing the output makes a difference.
- Businesses: Using AI content in branding, advertising, or social media campaigns carries risks. Without copyright protection, competitors might reuse or copy your AI-generated assets.
- Athletes & Public Figures: AI-generated deepfakes and likenesses are sparking new right of publicity disputes. Athletes and celebrities need contracts that clearly restrict unauthorized AI use of their image or voice.
How to Protect Yourself in 2025
- Document Your Process – Keep records showing where human creativity comes in.
- Secure Trademarks – Logos and brand identifiers created with AI may not qualify for copyright but can often be trademarked.
- Use Strong Contracts – If you hire a designer or agency using AI, your contract should clarify ownership, licensing, and liability.
- Act Fast on Infringement – If your likeness or work is being misused by AI or republished without permission, you may have claims under copyright, trademark, or right of publicity law.
Landry Legal Can Help
At Landry Legal, PLLC, we stay on top of these rapid changes so you don’t have to. Whether you’re an artist, business owner, or athlete, we can help you:
- Protect your creative works and brand
- Enforce your rights against AI misuse
- Draft contracts that keep you in control
- Navigate NIL, publicity, and IP issues in the digital era
📞 Call us today at 888-914-0011 or email contact@landrypllc.com to protect your work in the age of AI.