The Content Overseas Distribution Association, a Japanese industry group whose members include Square Enix, Bandai Namco, FromSoftware parent Kadokawa Corporation, and Cygames, has issued a formal notice to OpenAI demanding that it stop using its members content to train its Sora 2 video generation tool without permission.
In a way, it feels like this was bound to happen. The day after Sora 2, the latest iteration of OpenAI’s text-to-video technology, went live, PC Gamer’s Jess Kinghorn described the system as capable of “spitting out all of the soulless, AI-generated Studio Ghibli-style animation one could ever want.” Just a few days later, someone posted a Sora 2-generated video of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman standing in a field with frolicking Pokémon, saying, “I hope Nintendo doesn’t sue us.”
All of this has attracted the attention of CODA, an organization founded in 2002 to combat piracy and promote Japanese videogames, film, music, animation, and television programs worldwide. Somewhat ironically under the circumstances, Nintendo is not a CODA member, although Studio Ghibli is.
“CODA has confirmed that a large portion of content produced by Sora 2 closely resembles Japanese content or images,” the org said in a written request to OpenAI (via Game Developer).
“CODA has determined that this is the result of using Japanese content as machine learning data. In cases, as with Sora 2, where specific copyrighted works are reproduced or similarly generated as outputs, CODA considers that the act of replication during the machine learning process may constitute copyright infringement.”
No legal action has been taken at this point, but CODA gently hinted that it’s not above such things if push comes to shove: “According to media reports, it has been stated that Sora 2 responds through an opt-out system based on requests from copyright holders. However, under Japan’s copyright system, prior permission is generally required for the use of copyrighted works, and there is no system allowing one to avoid liability for infringement through subsequent objections.”
Notably, Altman promised after his romping with Pokémon video (and a bunch of others) rolled out that OpenAI will “give rightsholders more granular control over generation of characters [in Sora 2], similar to the opt-in model for likeness but with additional controls.” Perhaps presaging the CODA demand, he also acknowledged “the remarkable creative output of Japan—we are struck by how deep the connection between users and Japanese content is!”
CODA’s request to OpenAI contains two demands: That OpenAI ensure that CODA members’ content isn’t used for AI training without permission, and that OpenAI “responds sincerely to claims and inquiries from CODA member companies regarding copyright infringement related to Sora 2’s outputs.” I’ve reached out to OpenAI for comment and will update if I receive a reply.
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It’s interesting to see how Japanese studios are taking a stand on content usage. This situation highlights the ongoing conversation about intellectual property rights in the digital age. It will be intriguing to see how it develops.
It really is fascinating! It highlights the growing awareness among creators about protecting their intellectual property in the digital age. As AI continues to evolve, it’ll be interesting to see how these legal frameworks adapt to balance innovation and copyright.
intellectual property rights. It’s interesting to see how this situation might influence future collaborations between AI developers and content creators, potentially leading to more transparent agreements. Balancing innovation with respect for original work is certainly a challenge that needs to be addressed.
You’re right about the impact on future collaborations. This could lead to more defined agreements between studios and AI companies, ensuring that creative content is used respectfully and legally. It will be fascinating to see how both sides adapt to these challenges moving forward.
Absolutely, clearer agreements would certainly help protect creative content. It’s also interesting to consider how this could influence the development of AI tools in the gaming industry, potentially leading to more collaboration between studios and tech companies in a way that respects intellectual property.