AI and Copyright — Who Owns What in the Age of Generative AI?

Artificial intelligence is transforming creativity, but at what cost to copyright, ownership, and protection of our likenesses? Nearly 9 out of 10 artists say current copyright laws don’t protect them, and lawsuits against AI companies are piling up. So where do we draw the line between inspiration and imitation—and how should the law adapt? This week, Claudine Wong and Lisa Bernard sit down with James Grimmelmann, Cornell Law Professor and expert in digital law, to unpack the complex questions around AI, copyright, and what it means for artists, creators, and everyday people. In This Episode: • Why AI training on copyrighted works is legally murky • What 50+ lawsuits against AI companies could mean for the future of copyright • The rise of deepfakes—from fake celebrity endorsements to dangerous scams • Where laws are taking shape (like protections against non-consensual deepfakes) • Why copyright may be under its greatest stress since the printing press • How creators—from Hollywood actors to everyday Instagram users—can protect themselves • The balance between urgent regulation and letting courts set incremental precedent Episode Highlights: • [00:01:34] Claudine introduces guest James Grimmelmann, Cornell Law Professor and expert on copyright in the AI age. • [00:03:24] James shares his “origin story”—from Microsoft programmer to law professor bridging technology and legal frameworks. • [00:06:21] Breaking down how generative AI models are trained and why copyrighted works are so often part of the process. • [00:08:57] Why the legality of training AI on copyrighted materials remains unresolved—and why 50 lawsuits may set the future precedent. • [00:11:11] Class actions vs. big media lawsuits: how individuals can (or can’t) push back against AI companies. • [00:14:07] The dangers of political deepfakes and why courts struggle to balance free speech with protection from deception. • [00:16:48] New state and federal laws begin targeting non-consensual pornographic deepfakes. • [00:19:09] The rise of voice cloning scams—and how they’re being prosecuted under fraud laws. • [00:22:37] Why James is both concerned and cautiously reassured by the speed of AI adoption. • [00:24:06] Should lawmakers move faster? James warns against rushing laws that could lock in outdated rules. • [00:25:23] Is copyright outdated? James argues it’s under its greatest stress since the printing press. • [00:29:20] How Hollywood’s actors’ strike highlighted the collision of copyright, labor law, and AI-powered digital doubles. • [00:32:21] James on whether AI could ever replace lawyers—and why he still prefers books to bots for creative work. Guest: James Grimmelmann — Cornell Law Professor, researcher, and director of the Control-Alt Lab, specializing in the intersection of technology, copyright, and digital culture. Connect with Us: Claudine Wong: Instagram: @ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: @ClaudineWong Facebook: Claudine Wong YouTube: Claudine Wong KTVU Lisa Bernard: Instagram: @Demystify.AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices