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NLJ this week: AI art, copyright law & the creative clash

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Writing in NLJ this week, Ben Travers of Foot Anstey examines the unresolved legal tensions at the heart of AI-generated content, following the high-profile Getty v Stability AI case. Although the primary copyright claim was dropped, Travers argues the core issues remain: can AI be trained on copyrighted material without permission, and who owns the output?

He notes that while IP law has adapted to past tech shifts—from VCRs to streaming—it now faces a new challenge: users increasingly see AI as a creative partner, not just a tool. This raises questions about authorship, infringement, and whether existing frameworks—designed for human creators—can cope.

Travers warns that users may unwittingly cede rights, echoing early social media missteps. As governments seek to balance innovation with protection, Travers calls for legal clarity on how copyright applies to AI training, output, and liability—before the creative landscape is reshaped beyond recognition.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

EIP—Stuart Malcolm

EIP—Stuart Malcolm

EIP strengthens Commercial practice with a new partner

Ellisons—Francesca Brown

Ellisons—Francesca Brown

Ellisons welcomes Francesca Brown to Family team

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires

NEWS
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A sprawling Intellectual Property Office battle between House of Fraser and Frasers Property has delivered a masterclass in modern trade mark law
Courts in England and Wales and Singapore are increasingly confronting complex disputes over international child relocation as families become more globally mobile
The government’s long-awaited family law reform consultation could mark a turning point for domestic abuse victims navigating financial remedy proceedings, but significant challenges remain
A new commercial court pilot giving the public access to documents used in hearings, including expert reports, is raising difficult questions about transparency and privacy
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