OpenAI promises ‘Copyright Shield’ to cover legal fees for customers facing AI-related copyright claims

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has declared that the company will cover the legal expenses of customers confronted with copyright infringement claims stemming from using OpenAI’s artificial intelligence technology. This initiative, called “Copyright Shield,” is designed to aid enterprise clients employing OpenAI’s software for specific tasks, including their Application Programming Interface (API) that grants access to AI models like GPT-4. OpenAI stressed that their models are not trained using data from ChatGPT enterprise clients or the API. Altman also introduced a range of new software features, such as chatbots with updated knowledge, customizable chatbots for users, and plans for a GPT store to shift their product’s focus more toward consumers. OpenAI disclosed that over 2 million developers are utilizing their technology, and 100 million individuals interact with their ChatGPT interface every week.

Why does it matter?

The decision to cover legal costs is a response to the escalating concern regarding copyright infringement claims connected to AI technology, mainly when protected content is used without authorization in training AI models. This comes after Microsoft also offered legal protection to users of its Copilot AI services who may encounter copyright infringement lawsuits. Brad Smith, the Chief Legal Officer of Microsoft, introduced the Copilot Copyright Commitment initiative, in which the company commits to taking on the legal liabilities associated with copyright infringement claims stemming from the use of its AI Copilot services.