EP 37: An AI Copyright Conversation with RightsClick Founders

In this episode of the AI for Interior Designers™ Podcast, Jenna Gaidusek sits down with copyright experts David Newoff and Stephen Teep to explore the intersection of interior design, copyright, and AI. As AI tools reshape the creative process, understanding the legal and ethical boundaries of copyright has never been more important.

 

David Newhoff (10+ years copyright advocacy)

Building on his background in film production and communications, David is a widely respected advocate of creators’ rights. Since 2011, he has written over 1,000 articles, primarily on the blog The Illusion of More, endorsing strong copyright rights and questioning the tech industry’s assault on those rights. He has been cited by scholars and the creative community. In 2020, he published the book Who Invented Oscar Wilde? The Photograph at the Center of Modern American Copyright. 

Steven Tepp (25+ years copyright practice & advocacy)

Steven’s extensive background in IP law and policy began as an attorney for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, after which, he served as senior counsel for Policy and International Affairs at the U.S. Copyright Office and then as Chief Intellectual Property Counsel for the Global Intellectual Property Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Before co-founding RightsClick, he started the IP consultancy Sentinel Worldwide, and teaches copyright law at George Washington University Law School.

 

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Highlights and Key Takeaways: AI’s Role in Copyright and Design: How AI is transforming interior design while raising questions about ownership and authorship. Why human creativity remains essential for legally protecting your work.

Copyright for Designers and Photographers: Copyright law safeguards the unique arrangement of elements in designs and photos. The importance of clear agreements with photographers to avoid disputes. Tools like Rights Click make it easier for photographers to protect their work.

Why You Should Register Your Work: Registration with the copyright office is your best defense against infringement. Bulk registration (up to 750 images) simplifies portfolio protection. Statutory damages serve as a deterrent, letting you recover losses even in tricky infringement cases.

The Complexity of AI and Copyright Ownership: AI-generated content challenges traditional notions of authorship. Current copyright laws focus on human creativity, leaving gaps for AI-produced work. Ethical questions and evolving Copyright Office guidelines, including disclosing AI involvement. Walking the Fine Line: Ethical AI Use: Assistive AI boosts productivity and supports creativity. Generative AI raises legal concerns about originality and infringement. Mass infringement issues, such as AI systems scraping content, highlight the need for licensing agreements.

Practical Tips for Designers:

Register Your Work: Protect your designs with the copyright office.

Be Mindful with AI: Use AI responsibly, staying within ethical and legal boundaries. Clarify Ownership: Set clear terms with collaborators to avoid misunderstandings.

Stay Informed: Keep up with changes in copyright law to safeguard your work.

Wrapping It Up: This episode offers practical advice and thought-provoking insights for navigating copyright in today’s design world. Protecting intellectual property is key to fostering creativity and innovation, especially as AI continues to revolutionize the industry.

The takeaway: Creativity thrives when everyone’s rights are respected. Learn More: Explore more tools and resources for interior designers: https://www.aiforinteriordesigners.com

 

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