US Copyright Office Requires Human Authorship for AI Registrations

The US Copyright Office (USCO) has issued new guidelines regarding the copyrighting of AI-generated media. As AI technology becomes more prevalent in various industries, including music, the USCO’s guidance aims to address the question of authorship and ensure that human creators are appropriately recognized and rewarded.

According to the USCO, copyright protection can only be granted to works that are the result of human creativity. When it comes to AI-generated content, the office will assess each case individually to determine the level of human involvement in the creative process. If a work is solely produced by a machine without significant human input, it will not qualify for copyright registration.

However, certain AI-created media that have been significantly altered or enhanced by humans may be eligible for copyright protection. In these cases, copyright will only cover the aspects of the work that were contributed by humans.

The USCO acknowledges the broad implications of AI on copyright law and intends to launch an agency-wide initiative to delve deeper into these issues. Later this year, they will seek public input through a notice of inquiry, focusing on topics such as the application of copyright law to AI training and the treatment of AI-generated outputs.

Applicants seeking copyright registration for works involving AI-generated content have a responsibility to disclose the use of AI and provide a brief explanation of the human author’s contributions to the work. It is important to note that individuals who use AI technology in their creative process can still claim copyright protection for their own contributions.

In summary, the USCO’s guidelines reflect the complex and subjective nature of AI-generated content in relation to copyright. The focus is on ensuring that human creativity and authorship are properly recognized, while also acknowledging the need to adapt copyright law to address the advancements in AI technology.