OpenAI’s new AI-generated image tool swept the internet and filled social media streams with faces that seem plucked from the animation of Studio Ghibli. From Elon Musk to “The Lord of the Rings” to even President Donald Trump, people have created AI-generated avatars of celebrity names in the popular animation aesthetics. But all this viral attention has also caused a serious contention to flare again: Is OpenAI infringing on copyright policies?
The Power of AI Image Generation
OpenAI’s new image-generation feature, part of GPT-4o, allows users to create detailed images simply by describing them in text. This includes replicating well-known artistic styles, such as Studio Ghibli’s iconic hand-drawn look. OpenAI isn’t alone in this—Google’s Gemini Flash model has a similar feature, and it has already stirred controversy by allowing users to remove watermarks from images.
These developments make AI-made art more accessible than ever before. This image generation feature of OpenAI has changed the way of peoples thinking. Anyone can create art inspired by renowned studios or artists with a couple of clicks. But the question is: Is it legal?
A Legal Gray Area
It’s in a sort of legal gray area, according to Evan Brown, an intellectual property attorney. Under copyright law, original works are protected, but artistic styles are not. Therefore, OpenAI is not technically violating the law by permitting users to make images in the style of Studio Ghibli.
But the actual problem could be in the training of these AI models. If OpenAI trained its AI using millions of frames from Ghibli movies, it would pose serious legal issues. Courts are yet to decide whether training AI on copyrighted works constitutes fair use or infringement.
Ongoing Lawsuits Against AI Companies
OpenAI is already being sued several times on copyright issues. The New York Times and other publishers have sued the company for using copyrighted content without authorization. Meta and AI startup Midjourney have also been sued with similar claims, reflecting an emerging conflict between AI developers and creators.
Artists and studios claim that AI companies get rich from using their work without paying them fair credit or compensation. OpenAI stands its ground by declaring that although ChatGPT will not imitate individual artists’ styles, it permits imitation of larger studio styles. But then there is another question—what about when a particular artist, such as Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, is what pushes a studio’s distinct style?
The Internet’s Response
Despite the controversy, AI-generated Studio Ghibli-style images continue to spread online. Users have also created AI art in the styles of Dr. Seuss and Pixar, showing the tool’s wide-ranging capabilities.
Tests comparing OpenAI’s tool with other AI image generators, including Google’s Gemini and xAI’s Grok, found that OpenAI produced the most accurate Studio Ghibli-style images. This suggests the model has a deep understanding of the animation studio’s distinctive look.
What’s Next?
Currently, Google and OpenAI are busy coping with the record-breaking demand for AI-generated pictures. OpenAI even postponed rolling out its picture tool to users on its free tier because it was overwhelmed.
But the fight is not yet done in court. Judges will ultimately rule on whether training AI systems infringe copyright. If they find against the AI firms, OpenAI and its peers will have to adapt the way they train their models—or pay royalties to creators.
For now, AI art will continue to confuse creativity with legality, keeping both creators and AI firms in a gray area.
Conclusion
All in all, OpenAI’s new feature of online image generator has added new angle to the superiority of the platform. It will be interesting to see what future has for the OpenAI and this online image generator.
