Professors Urge Supreme Court to Protect AI-Created Works
On Friday, October 31, a group of professors and researchers submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court supporting Dr. Stephen Thaler's petition for a writ of certiorari. They urged the Court to recognize copyright protection for creations generated by artificial intelligence.
“Excluding AI-generated works from copyright protection threatens the foundations of American creativity, innovation, and economic growth.”
Background of the Case
The professors, including Shlomit Yanisky-Ravid and Lawrence Lessig, joined others in advocating for the Court to hear Thaler v. Perlmutter. Their brief criticized the lower court's demand for human authorship, arguing it ignores the true intent of the Copyright Act.
Details of the Petition
Dr. Thaler seeks copyright protection for his AI-generated work A Recent Entrance to Paradise, created by his AI system called the Creativity Machine. The U.S. Copyright Office denied registration on the grounds that the work lacked a human author.
“The lower court’s interpretation, which requires human authorship, disregards the ‘spirit of the Copyright Act.’”
Professors’ Argument
- They emphasize that excluding AI-generated works can undermine American creativity and economic progress.
- The brief urges a modern interpretation that acknowledges technological advances in creative processes.
Recognizing AI contributions in copyright law is presented as essential to fostering innovation and sustaining economic growth.
Author’s summary: Professors challenge the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm copyright rights for AI-generated works, highlighting risks of excluding such creations from legal protection.