Professors Advocate for AI-Generated Works' Copyright Protection
On Friday, October 31, a group of professors and researchers submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court supporting Dr. Stephen Thaler's petition for a writ of certiorari. They urged the Court to recognize copyright protection for works created by artificial intelligence.
Key Arguments Presented
The brief emphasized that excluding AI-generated works from copyright protection undermines the pillars of American creativity, innovation, and economic progress. It criticized the lower court’s view requiring human authorship as inconsistent with the spirit of the Copyright Act.
“Excluding AI-generated works from copyright protection threatens the foundations of American creativity, innovation, and economic growth.”
Background of the Case
Dr. Stephen Thaler seeks copyright recognition for “A Recent Entrance to Paradise,” produced by his AI system named the Creativity Machine. The U.S. Copyright Office previously denied registration, citing the absence of a human author.
Professors Supporting the Petition
- Shlomit Yanisky-Ravid
- Lawrence Lessig
- Other professors and researchers
Legal Context
The petition in Thaler v. Perlmutter challenges the traditional requirement of human authorship for copyright eligibility, reflecting ongoing debates about AI’s role in creative industries.
Summary: Professors urge the Supreme Court to extend copyright protection to AI-generated works, arguing that current human-only authorship rules hinder creativity and innovation.