A New York-based artist named Kris Kashtanova has obtained US copyright registration for their graphic novel, which features AI-generated artwork created by latent diffusion AI. The comic book, called Zarya of the Dawn, was created using the commercial image synthesis service Midjourney. Kashtanova openly discussed the process, stating that the artwork was not altered and was made with AI assistance. This case sets a precedent for owning copyright when creating something using AI. The US Copyright Office has not ruled against copyright on AI artworks, but it has clarified that copyright should be registered to a human author, not an AI. Zarya of the Dawn, available for free on the AI Comic Books website, showcases a main character resembling actress Zendaya.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI-generated artwork receives US copyright registration | Recognition of AI-generated art | Increased acceptance and legal protection for AI-generated art | Artists advocating for their rights |
| Artist used AI-assisted artwork for comic book | Blend of human and AI creativity | More collaborations between artists and AI | Desire for unique and innovative creations |
| Speculation on copyright of AI artwork | Debate on copyright and ethics | Clearer guidelines and regulations on AI-generated art | Need for legal clarity and ethical considerations |
| Getty Images bans AI-generated artwork | Controversy over copyright and ethics | Resolution of copyright and ethical issues surrounding AI-generated art | Need for ethical and legal standards in AI art |
| Main character in comic resembles Zendaya | Use of celebrity names in AI prompts | Consistency in AI-generated art through celebrity references | Desire for recognizable and relatable characters |