Judge Rules AI-Generated Artwork Can’t Be Copyrighted
Generative artificial intelligence has been a hot topic lately, especially in light of the ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Now, a ruling in a case related to AI-generated artwork appears to be a big win for those fighting for the rights of human content creators.
Noted AI advocate Stephen Thaler filed a lawsuit against Shira Perlmutter, the register of Copyrights and Director of the United States Copyright Office. Thaler’s lawsuit argued that his computer system, which he refers to as the “Creative Machine,” created a piece of visual art “of its own accord.” As a result, Thaler argued that said art was eligible for copyright protection. However, the piece of art was denied copyright protection due to the piece not having any human authorship.
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Thaler’s lawsuit challenged the current standard of human creation, but U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled in favor of Perlmutter and the U.S. Copyright Office. In the ruling, Judge Howell wrote, “Copyright has never stretched so far, however, as to protect works generated by new forms of technology operating absent any guiding human hand, as plaintiff urges here. Human authorship is a bedrock requirement of copyright.”
So, what does this mean in relation to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes? One of the biggest reasons for both strikes is to establish a standard for the use of AI in the worlds of film, television and radio. Basically, both unions are fighting against the major studios and other entities to prevent a number of jobs from being replaced by AI, specifically writing jobs and jobs involving background actors. With this ruling, it could make it difficult for movies and TV shows to be copyrighted if they were mostly created via AI.
The full opinion from Judge Howell can be read here.
Five Great New Novels To Read During The Actor's Strike
'Happy Place' by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is the Nora Ephron of the book world. Her writing is sharp, witty, heartfelt, and so much more. Happy Place is my favorite Emily Henry book. It’s a story about lost love and friendship. The book focuses on Harriet, who recently broke her engagement off with long-time partner Wyn. After weeks of heartbreak, she is finally visiting her friends for their yearly summer vacation in an idyllic coastal cottage in Maine. The problem is Harriet has yet to tell her friends about her split from Wyn. Things get even messier when Wyn is suddenly on the trip with the group, and Harriet’s friend informs the group that the cottage is being sold and this is their last hurrah. So, to keep the spirits high, Harriet and Wyn decide to pretend they are still together, vowing that it’s only for a short while. But their old feelings threaten to come to the surface at every turn, and perhaps they are meant to be together after all.This book is everything you need in a summer romance. With a 4.18 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, it’s easily one of the year’s best books.
'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros
A new “Book Tok” sensation has swept the fantasy world by storm this summer. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is brilliant, action-packed, and fantastic. Violet Sorrengail comes from a long line of dragon riders, with her mother and sister currently holding high positions in their military legions. In a country currently under siege, only a brave few make it through the Rider’s Quadrant at Basgiath College for riding dragons is not the only thing young cadets have to worry about. This book is a wonderful fantasy novel that showcases incredible lore, world building, and a touch of romance.
The book hit #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers Hardcover list and has repeatedly sold out from major retailers nationwide for every reprint. The second book in the series is set to publish in early November. Goodreads reviewers have given it a 4.68 out of 5 stars.
'Yellowface' by R.F. Kuang
Anyone curious about the world of publishing or in the world of publishing needs to read Yellowface. The book is eye-opening and incredibly sharp. The story focuses on two promising debut authors out of Yale. One who is set to take the world by storm. The other couldn’t even get a paperback release. When June Hayward witnesses fellow debut author Athena Liu’s death in a freak accident, she steals Athena’s next manuscript. It’s a story that is focused on the Chinese contributors to the British and French forces during World War II. When her new publisher decides to rebrand her to “Juniper Sung,” and to promote her using an ethnically ambiguous author photo, things get complicated. <
This book tackles many major themes, especially racism and diversity in the publishing space. It’s brilliant and absolutely eye-opening. Goodreads reviewers have given it a 4.16 out of 5 stars.
'The Only One' Left by Riley Sager
For the true-crime lovers out there, this book will keep you at the edge of your seat. The One Left Behind features home-health aid Kit, who takes a job as the live-in nurse of her towns very own Lizzie Borden, she is skeptical at first. Everyone knows that Lenora Hope killed her family. But Kit needs the money and the stability after a recent months-long sabbatical. But when Lenora, who is unable to talk vocally, uses her typewriter to tell Kit what really happened that night at Hope’s End, Kit learns there is more to the story than the town knows.
This book is thrilling and dark. You may need to sleep with a night light after it. It has a 4.26 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.
'Immortal Longings' by Chloe Gong
Chloe Gong is known for her fantastical Shakespeare retellings. Immortal Longings follows her successful Romeo & Juliet retelling, These Violent Delights. This adult fantasy debut, inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony & Cleopatra, features a Princess determined to kill the only remaining family member she has and subsequently bring down the monarchy. She teams with a shunned aristocrat with the skills she needs to get close to her uncle. The kingdom’s annual games, which involve competitors with the unique ability to jump between bodies, is a fight to the death. The victor was greeted by Princess Calla’s uncle and King of the kingdom. With the help of one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, Anton will bring Calla close to her true goal of fixing the kingdom before her.
The book recently released and is a highly anticipated read for many. Early readers have given it a 3.98 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.
