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OpenAI’s Viral Studio Ghibli Moment Highlights AI Copyright Concerns
In the span of just a day since ChatGPT’s new AI image generator went live, social media feeds have been flooded with AI-generated memes in the style of Studio Ghibli, the cult-favorite Japanese animation studio behind iconic films such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away”. The outpouring of creative content has sparked heated debates on the legal implications of AI copyright law.
Users have uploaded existing images into ChatGPT and asked the chatbot to recreate them in the style of Studio Ghibli, with many achieving remarkable success. This development highlights concerns surrounding the use of copyrighted works in AI model training, a topic that has been contentious for several years.
OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman seems to have joined the bandwagon, using his new profile picture as a Studio Ghibli-style image, likely created by the company’s native image generation feature. The sudden surge in popularity further underscores the pressing need for clarity on AI copyright infringement and fair use protections.
The controversy surrounding AI-generated content has been brewing since Google released its Gemini Flash model earlier this month, which also enabled users to remove watermarks from images. This technology has sparked concerns about potential violations of intellectual property rights.
In response to these developments, IP lawyer Evan Brown clarifies that OpenAI’s product operates in a legal grey area today. While style is not explicitly protected by copyright law, the reproduction of distinctive styles raises questions regarding moral rights and potential infringements.
The issue at hand extends beyond Studio Ghibli; users have already employed the new image generation features to replicate styles from other studios and artists, including Dr. Seuss and Pixar. A couple even recreated their wedding photos in the style of Pixar, showcasing the versatility and creative potential of AI-powered art.
A direct comparison of popular AI image generators has revealed that OpenAI’s technology surpasses its competitors, with a remarkable ability to match Studio Ghibli’s unique aesthetic. However, this advancement comes at a time when the industry is desperately seeking clarification on the legal implications of these technologies.
The courts will ultimately decide the legality of these innovations, but for now, it appears that AI companies are prioritizing driving usage and adoption over addressing lingering concerns about IP infringement.
For those who can’t get enough of the creative output, OpenAI has delayed the rollout of its new image tool to free-tier users due to overwhelming demand. It remains to be seen whether these developments will continue to fuel a surge in popularity or ultimately lead to a reckoning on the legal landscape surrounding AI-generated content.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/26/openais-viral-studio-ghibli-moment-highlights-ai-copyright-concerns/
