Source: CNET

The CNET article explores the latest decision from the US Copyright Office regarding AI-modified creative works. While fully AI-generated content is not eligible for copyright protection, works that have undergone significant human editing or artistic input may still be copyrighted.

One of the key distinctions made by the Copyright Office is between AI-generated and AI-assisted works. If an AI system produces an image or film autonomously, it is not copyrightable. However, if a human applies creative judgment—such as editing an AI-generated image, modifying AI-created scenes in a movie, or combining AI output with original human content—the final work may qualify for protection.

This decision is particularly relevant to the film and photography industries, where AI tools are increasingly used for video enhancement, scene generation, and visual effects. Many artists and filmmakers rely on AI for post-production editing while still maintaining creative control over the final product.

The ruling also raises questions about how courts will interpret “substantial human input.” Legal experts anticipate future legal battles over where the line is drawn between AI assistance and human authorship.

The article concludes by highlighting the broader implications for copyright law. As AI continues to play a larger role in creative industries, regulators and courts will need to refine legal frameworks to address AI-human collaboration in artistic expression.