India’s copyright lawsuit targets OpenAI and AI use

Microsoft-backed OpenAI is seeking to prevent some of India’s largest media organisations, including those linked to Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, from joining a copyright lawsuit. The case, initiated by news agency ANI last year, involves claims that AI systems like ChatGPT use copyrighted material without permission, sparking a wider debate over AI and intellectual property in the country. India ranks as OpenAI’s second-largest market by user numbers, following the US.

OpenAI has argued its AI services rely only on publicly available data and adhere to fair use principles. During Tuesday’s hearing, OpenAI’s lawyer opposed bids by additional media organisations to join the case, stating he would submit formal objections in writing. The company has also challenged the court’s jurisdiction, asserting that its servers are located outside India. The case is scheduled to continue in February.

The Federation of Indian Publishers has accused ChatGPT of harming their business by summarising books from unlicensed online sources. OpenAI denies these claims, maintaining its tools do not infringe copyright. Prominent digital media groups, including the Indian Express and Hindustan Times, allege ChatGPT scrapes and reproduces their content, prompting their involvement in the lawsuit.

Tensions escalated over media coverage of the case, with OpenAI objecting to reports based on non-public court filings. Lawyers representing media groups called such claims unfounded. The lawsuit is poised to shape the future of AI and copyright law in India, as courts worldwide grapple with similar challenges.