AI Law - International Review of Artificial Intelligence Law
G. Giappichelli Editore

18/10/2024 - AI is Immortalizing Characters — But at What Legal Cost? (USA)

argument: Notizie/News - Intellectual Property Law

Source: Above the Law

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the entertainment industry by allowing studios to keep iconic characters "immortal" through digital recreations and performance simulations. However, this technological advancement is also creating new legal challenges for studios and actors. The use of AI to replicate actors’ likenesses, voices, or performances raises significant questions about intellectual property rights, contract law, and the ethical use of AI in entertainment.

One of the primary concerns is the potential for studios to use AI-generated versions of actors without their consent, leading to disputes over the ownership of a character’s likeness and performance. Actors and their estates are increasingly seeking to protect their digital rights, ensuring that studios cannot exploit AI-generated versions of their characters without proper compensation. Additionally, the article highlights the legal complexities surrounding the use of AI to create new performances based on iconic characters, which could infringe on the original actor’s rights.

The article concludes by emphasizing the need for updated legal frameworks that address the use of AI in the entertainment industry, ensuring that both studios and actors are adequately protected in the digital age.