Copyright in the Age of AI: New Initiative Examines Policy Issues and Registration Guidance for AI-Generated Works

This initiative is in direct response to the recent striking advances in generative AI technologies and their rapidly growing use by individuals and businesses. The Copyright Office has received requests from Congress and members of the public, including creators and AI users, to examine the issues raised for copyright, and it is already receiving applications for registration of works including AI-generated content.

To address the copyrightability and registration issues raised by these works, the Office is issuing new registration guidance. The guidance makes clear that applicants have a duty to disclose the inclusion of AI-generated content in works submitted for registration. It 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.

Throughout the spring, the Office will host public listening sessions with artists, creative industries, AI developers and researchers, and lawyers working on these issues. These roundtable-format listening sessions will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss their goals and concerns related to the use and impact of generative AI in creative fields.

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.