Copyright Infringement
Ongoing coverage on Copyright Infringement.
Latest coverage
Three YouTubers accuse Apple of illegal scraping to train its AI models
Three YouTubers have filed a class action lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of illegally scraping copyrighted videos from YouTube to train its AI models. The creators allege Apple circumvented platform controls and that its success relies on content like theirs. Similar lawsuits have been filed by these channels against Meta, Nvidia, ByteDance, and Snap, while Apple itself faces other legal challenges regarding AI training data.
Morning Legal Briefs
The US Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that internet service providers like Cox Communications are not liable for their users' copyright infringement. This decision clarifies legal responsibility in cases of online piracy.
Supreme Court overturns Cox v Sony Music verdict holding ISPs liable for user copyright infringement
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled 9-0 in the Cox v Sony Music case, overturning the previous verdict. The new ruling states that Internet Service Providers must have knowledge and intent to be held liable for user copyright infringement.
Supreme Court rules ISPs aren't liable for subscribers' music piracy
The Supreme Court ruled that Cox Communications is not liable for copyright infringement committed by its subscribers, reversing a lower court decision. Justice Clarence Thomas stated that an internet service provider is only liable if it actively encouraged or intended the infringement, not for merely providing a service. This decision clarifies ISP liability in cases of digital piracy by their users.
Supreme Court ruling may protect ISPs from copyright claims
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are only liable for copyright infringement if they intentionally facilitate it. In the case of Cox Communications v. Sony Music Entertainment, the court determined that Cox was not liable as they neither induced nor tailored their service for infringement. This decision may reduce the pressure on ISPs to police user piracy.
First Grammarly cloned me without permission. Then another AI company asked if it could do the same—for $2,000
The author discusses personal experiences with AI companies like Grammarly and GPTZero cloning their identity and work without permission. This raises significant concerns about AI ethics, copyright infringement, and the existential threat AI poses to writers and artists, particularly regarding the unauthorized use of creative work for training AI models.
Switch modders arrested for selling consoles with ‘improved' performance
Four individuals in Japan have been arrested for modifying and selling Nintendo Switch consoles, claiming improved performance and the ability to play pirated games. The group allegedly modified 45 consoles and sold 15, earning between approximately £2,837 and £4,256. The arrests stem from Nintendo's consultation with the Kyoto Prefectural Police, with the primary offense being potential violation of Japan's Trademark Act.
Morning Legal Briefs
ByteDance has been urged by senators to immediately cease operations of its Seedance AI video application. Separately, Encyclopedia Britannica has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging copyright infringement related to the use of its content.
Encyclopedia Britannica sues OpenAI for copyright and trademark infringement
Encyclopedia Britannica has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging massive-scale copyright and trademark infringement. The company claims OpenAI illegally used its content to train AI models and that ChatGPT sometimes reproduces Britannica's articles verbatim or falsely attributes fabricated content to it. This lawsuit follows similar legal actions by Britannica against other AI companies and is part of ongoing legal battles OpenAI faces over copyright concerns.
ByteDance has reportedly suspended the global rollout of its new AI video generator
ByteDance has reportedly suspended the global rollout of its AI video generator, Seedance 2.0, following concerns over copyright infringement raised by studios like Disney and Paramount. The tool faced immediate backlash after its launch in China due to allegations of using copyrighted materials in its training data.
Notorious UK rights group launches legal action against Valve for distributing music in games on Steam without a license
The Performing Right Society (PRS) has initiated legal action against Valve in the UK, alleging that the company distributes music from its members on Steam without the necessary licenses. The PRS claims Valve is making these musical works available to the public through streaming and downloads without permission, thereby infringing on copyright.
Roblox launches two new developer programs, Incubator and Jumpstart
Roblox has launched two new developer programs, Incubator and Jumpstart, aimed at supporting creators. Separately, the Performing Right Society has initiated legal proceedings against Valve, alleging unauthorized use of musical works on the Steam platform.
Metadata company Gracenote is the latest to sue OpenAI for copyright infringement
Metadata company Gracenote, owned by Nielsen, is suing OpenAI for allegedly using its entertainment data and framework without authorization or payment. Gracenote claims OpenAI infringed on its data and the structure used to organize it, despite previous attempts to establish a licensing agreement. The lawsuit adds a new dimension to ongoing copyright disputes involving AI companies, with Gracenote also having recent AI-related deals with Samsung and Google.
Pickmon Accused Of Being A Pokemon Rip-Off, But It's Worse Than That
The upcoming game Pickmon is facing accusations of being a blatant rip-off of Pokemon, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Palworld. Developer PocketGame appears to have heavily borrowed art assets, music, and gameplay mechanics from these established titles, including allegedly using stolen fanart. This contrasts with Palworld developer Pocketpair, which has faced similar accusations but has taken steps to differentiate its game and work with Nintendo.
New Survival Game 'Pickmon' Is Just Asking To Be Sued Into Oblivion
A new survival game titled Pickmon, developed by PocketGame, has been announced for Steam with potential future releases on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. The game draws heavy inspiration from both Palworld and Nintendo's Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda series, leading to speculation of potential legal action from Nintendo.
Clair Obscur Dev Promises a 'Fair' Solution After Threatening Legal Action Against Unrelated Comic
Sandfall Interactive, the developer of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has threatened legal action against a comic book titled L’Academie Clair-Obscur, claiming copyright infringement. The comic's creator, Olivier Gay, has stated he will rebrand the comic if necessary. Sandfall Interactive has since commented, expressing a desire to find a fair solution for all parties involved.
Valve sued by The Performing Right Society for allegedly using its members musical works "without permission"
The Performing Right Society (PRS) has sued Valve, alleging the unauthorized use of copyrighted music on the Steam platform. PRS claims Valve has never obtained a license for music from its members, which includes songs featured in titles like Forza Horizon, EA FC, and Grand Theft Auto. Separately, Roblox has launched two new developer programs, Incubator and Jumpstart, to support creators in building and scaling games on its platform, while also highlighting growth opportunities within its older user demographic.
PickMon Drama Explodes as Pokémon, Palworld Clone Vanishes from Social Media
The social media accounts for PickMon, a game accused of being a Palworld and Pokémon clone, have been removed. This comes as Palworld itself faces a copyright lawsuit from Nintendo. PickMon's developer claims the removal is due to pressure from "PXXXmon and NXXXXXXX" and has amassed over 25 million impressions, with plans for a PlayStation 5 release.
Master Chief Actor Condemns Use Of His Voice In White House Social Media Post
Voice actor Steve Downes, the voice of Master Chief in Halo, has condemned the White House for using his voice in a social media video that supported military action in Iran. Downes stated his voice was used without permission and demanded its removal. This is not the first time the White House has used Halo imagery for political purposes, previously posting a meme of Donald Trump as Master Chief and using Halo memes for ICE recruitment.
Issues and Activism
An artist has come forward, stating that Bungie used their work in the game Marathon without permission. This situation highlights issues of copyright and artist attribution within the game development industry.