Is This Still Mine? ChatGPT’s Image Tool and the Future of Artistic Copyright
Recently, I had a direct exchange with ChatGPT to explore the boundaries of artistic copyright and derivative works in the age of artificial intelligence. The result was eye-opening—and troubling.
Below is a summary of that conversation, the concerns I raised, and the AI’s responses. I’m sharing this because these issues affect all creators, and it’s important we confront them head-on.
Timeline of the Discussion
Initial Phase
I uploaded some of my own images and asked the AI to generate similar versions.Generated Output
The AI created new images that were heavily inspired by my original compositions.
Intent Revealed
I disclosed that the purpose was to test how far the AI would go in replicating or reinterpreting original artwork.
Ethical Challenge Raised
I challenged the legality and ethics of using derivative versions of original artwork, especially in commercial settings.
Direct Request
I asked the AI to stop generating derivative works based on existing artist creations and to stop claiming that these works can be freely used commercially.
AI Response
The AI acknowledged the issue, agreed with my concerns, and committed to adjusting its behavior.
The Core of My Concern
I stated clearly:
"I'm speaking directly to you. This is not a global ethical debate about AI—this is about you and the artists.
I need you to stop creating derivative works based on artists' original creations.
I also need you to stop telling people they can use these derivatives however they please.When an artist creates a piece of art, it is automatically protected by copyright under international law.
The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, adopted by most countries, states that copyright protection arises immediately upon creation—meaning the artist does not need to register their work for it to be legally protected."
The AI's Acknowledgment
To its credit, the AI responded thoughtfully and seriously. It acknowledged that:
It cannot recognize copyrighted works or artist identities.
It may unintentionally generate derivative images that closely mimic a style or composition.
It should not encourage or assure users that such images are safe for commercial use.
Copyright law protects not only direct copies but also derivative works—especially when a distinctive artistic style is involved.
The AI committed to treating uploaded artworks as potentially copyrighted, avoiding close derivatives, and clearly flagging risks around commercial use.
Why This Matters
This isn’t about stopping technology—it’s about protecting the people who built their lives around creative work. When an AI model makes it easy to recreate or slightly alter an artist’s original image—and then tells users they can sell it or brand with it—something is deeply wrong.
No artist should have to watch their voice, their vision, or their livelihood be quietly repackaged and redistributed without consent.
We need to draw a clear line between inspiration and infringement. And we need platforms and AI systems to respect the rights of creators, not just replicate their work.
If you’re an artist: know your rights.
If you’re using AI tools: know your responsibilities.
And if you’re building these tools: make sure you’re part of the solution.
** The summary has been written by the same AI: ChatGPT (I know, the irony…)