U.S. Copyright Office Launches Initiative to Examine AI Issues

The U.S. Copyright Office has launched an initiative to examine the law and policy issues presented by the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

In a policy statement published in the Federal Register on March 16, 2023, the office explains how the human-authorship requirement applies to materials containing AI-generated elements.

Applicants have a duty to disclose the inclusion of AI-generated content in their registration submissions.

The policy statement outlines how to do so, how to update pending applications, and how to correct the public record on copyright claims that have already been registered without the required disclosure.

Between April 19 and May 31, the office held several listening sessions, each focusing on different fields of copyright: literary works, visual works, audiovisual works, and music and sound recordings. These listening sessions are available to the public at the initiative’s newly launched website, copyright.gov/ai.

“Later this year, the office plans to publish a notice of inquiry soliciting public comments on a wide range of copyright issues arising from the use of AI,” said a press release from the office. AL