The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), representing Japanese IP holders like Studio Ghibli and Bandai Namco, has formally requested OpenAI to halt the utilization of their copyrighted content to train the Sora 2 AI model, as reported by Automaton. CODA raised concerns about potential copyright infringement due to the machine learning process replicating their protected characters and artwork.
The request comes after Sora 2’s launch, which produced a substantial volume of content featuring Japanese IP, prompting the Japanese government to intervene and ask OpenAI to discontinue replicating Japanese intellectual property. This is not the first time OpenAI has drawn from Japanese media, as seen with GPT-4o generating ‘Ghibli-style’ images earlier this year.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, recently announced a shift in Sora’s opt-out policy for IP holders. However, CODA argues that relying on an opt-out mechanism may have breached Japanese copyright regulations, emphasizing the necessity of prior permission for using copyrighted works in Japan.
CODA is urging OpenAI to address its members’ copyright concerns promptly and cease using their content without authorization for machine learning purposes. This request extends beyond Sora output to encompass the utilization of Japanese IP as training data, underscoring the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in AI development.
Source: The Verge