Are AI Images Copyrighted?

AI generated images are NOT able to be copyrighted. The primary processing of the image is done by a non-human. Thus not copyrighted. I've seen people get all kinds of upset over others using an AI image as a visual prompt for another AI image. Well, too bad, it's allowed by law.

As for actual human generated images, it's a toss up. If the AI is "significantly altered" then copyright is not violated. It's the same with human generated images copied after another work of art.

It's nice to credit origins however most of the time people forget.

Fan art is a fine line. It can't be sold in some countries but is allowed. In other countries it's not at all allowed. There has been all manner of people trying to sell fan art or have it as subscription viewing. Not allowed.

How about AI fan art? Well if the character looks enough like the original that it's in violation. If it only has a slight resemblance, then no violation.

Images used as a base in AI can be an issue as some AI generate an image that is very similar to the original. Others generate a significantly different image.

AI that is generated from an image base is extremely common. I've done it myself and got ditched at. Guess what? The original being AI generated is not copyrighted so that's allowed. Giving credit is nice however, but can still make people upset.

Personal view, if I post it, it's at best creative commons. I've had hundreds of images I've created myself and not with AI show up all over the place. I don't care. Do expect most people to care however. For example if it's their money maker, they will care.

To end this blog, don't cry copyrighted if you used an AI, it's not your original work at all under the law. Look at Facebook, how many pages are reposting dozens of "found" AI images a day. You can't do anything but complain really. If you litigate, you will lose. AI art is at best a hobby, it's not true creativity and be damned if I'm going to call it my art LOL. My art is my Fractals, drawings, sketches, 3D work - and I'm not protective of it however, but it's my actual art. AI not so much.

Side note: about 30% of the “featured” images on Deep Dream Generator are made from image bases. This is millions of works a day. The volume of this is astounding in scale.