Introduction
The ongoing legal battle involving AI copyright issues highlights the challenges courts face in applying existing legal frameworks to emerging technologies. This case [2], involving prominent authors and major tech companies, underscores the complexities of copyright law in the context of AI model training.
Description
A federal judge [2], William Alsup [1], recently held a hearing regarding a motion for class certification in ongoing AI copyright lawsuits involving book authors and major companies like Anthropic [2], OpenAI [2], and Meta [2]. This case underscores the complexities courts face under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 [2]. In the Kadrey v [3]. Meta case [3], plaintiffs [2] [3], which include prominent authors and artists, have introduced a report from the US Copyright Office that raises significant concerns regarding copyright infringement related to the training of generative AI models [3]. This report discusses the implications of using copyrighted works and the potential market harm associated with the use of pirated collections [3], arguing that Meta’s practices have undermined their licensing opportunities [3].
The plaintiffs propose modifications to the class definition [2], aiming to include only those book authors eligible for statutory damages [2], specifically those with copyright registration prior to infringement or within three months of publication [2]. Notably, the proposed class excludes claims related to violations of the right to create derivative works [2]. In response to these allegations, Meta asserts that its AI model does not compete with the authors’ market and that its outputs qualify as transformative [3], supporting a fair use defense [3].
Additionally, Judge Alsup denied all sealing motions submitted by Anthropic and has taken the motion for class certification under advisement. A hearing on Anthropic’s motion for summary judgment concerning fair use is scheduled for May 22, 2025 [1]. The outcome of the case remains uncertain, particularly as the report is a pre-publication version that may be subject to changes by future leadership at the Copyright Office [3].
Conclusion
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of copyright law as it pertains to AI technologies. It may influence how courts interpret fair use and copyright infringement in the context of AI, potentially affecting licensing opportunities and the protection of creative works. As the legal landscape evolves, stakeholders in the creative and tech industries will need to navigate these complexities carefully.
References
[1] https://chatgptiseatingtheworld.com/2025/05/16/at-hearing-for-class-certification-judge-alsup-rejects-all-anthropics-sealing-motions-must-pare-down/
[2] https://chatgptiseatingtheworld.com/2025/05/20/bartz-files-supplementary-brief-re-class-certification-shows-difficulty-of-defining-a-common-class/
[3] https://mashable.com/article/copyright-office-ai-report-kadrey-v-meta-evidence
