The Indicator from Planet Money Can you copyright artwork made using AI?
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Aug 25, 2025 The podcast dives into the evolving landscape of copyright as it meets artificial intelligence. It examines a fascinating case blending a creator’s work with Van Gogh's iconic style, raising questions about ownership. The absence of global standards for AI-generated art is highlighted, showcasing different responses from copyright offices in various countries. Expert insights reveal the intricate challenges artists face in protecting their work in this new technological frontier. This exploration of law and creativity is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
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Copyright Requires Human Authorship
- Copyright traditionally protects creations produced by humans and requires an authorial human contribution.
- David Feuer explains AI-generated works sit on a spectrum of human involvement affecting eligibility.
Van Gogh Mashup Test Case
- Ankit Sani ran experiments and used an app to restyle his sunset photo in Van Gogh's Starry Night style.
- He then tried to register the resulting image with copyright offices in multiple countries as co-authored with an AI.
Global Responses Differ Greatly
- Different countries treated Sani's registration differently, revealing international legal uncertainty.
- India granted then upheld the registration while the U.S. rejected it and Canada automated acceptance into its registry.