Studio Ghibli and Japanese Publishers Challenge OpenAI Over Copyright Use

[bonk]

A major Japanese trade group, the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) — representing publishers like Studio Ghibli — has officially urged OpenAI to stop using their copyrighted material for AI training without permission.

CODA’s letter, sent last week, follows the rise of AI-generated art in Ghibli’s style, a trend that gained momentum after ChatGPT’s image generator launched in March. Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joined in by changing his profile picture to a “Ghiblified” image.

Now, with OpenAI’s Sora video generator expanding access, CODA warns that using protected works for model training “may constitute copyright infringement” under Japanese law — where prior permission is required, and retroactive objections don’t absolve liability.

[Swipe]

Respect for art + innovation can coexist — permission and fair use rules just need to catch up to the tech. ️

[Pitchfork_IS_power]

AI can elevate creativity, but using iconic styles without consent crosses the line. Collaboration > conflict.

[The_Walking_Dead]

Ghibli isn’t just a “style” — it’s a legacy. Protecting it isn’t anti-AI, it’s respecting the craft.

[Revenant]

Should AI be allowed to learn from copyrighted art if it transforms it or is consent mandatory?