OpenAI Faces Copyright Infringement Claims from Japanese Game Developers

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A group fighting video game piracy, representing companies such as Square Enix, FromSoftware, and Bandai Namco, has warned OpenAI that it may have violated copyright laws. This accusation is part of a growing trend of copyright claims against AI and large language model companies like OpenAI.

OpenAI, the company behind popular AI tools like ChatGPT and the Sora 2 video generator, is facing questions about the data used to train its systems and whether it had the right to use it. Recently, game developers in Japan have noticed that videos created by Sora 2 appear to resemble their own work.

OpenAI Faces Copyright Infringement Allegations from Japan

A Japanese anti-piracy group, the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), has asked OpenAI to stop using copyrighted material from its members to train its AI models. CODA says a significant amount of content generated by OpenAI’s Sora 2 appears to be very similar to existing Japanese works, and they believe this could be a violation of copyright law. CODA represents major Japanese companies like game developers Square Enix, Bandai Namco, and FromSoftware, and anime studios including Aniplex and Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli recently saw its art style used in a popular AI art trend where users’ images were recreated in that style.

CODA argues that OpenAI’s opt-out system doesn’t comply with Japanese copyright laws. Unlike the US, which allows ‘fair use’ of copyrighted material if it’s used in a new and different way, Japan requires permission from copyright holders before their work can be used. CODA claims OpenAI didn’t get this permission before potentially using Japanese works to train its AI models. Therefore, CODA is asking the groups it represents to prevent their content from being used for machine learning without their consent, and is demanding a response from OpenAI regarding possible copyright violations related to its Sora 2 model.

OpenAI hasn’t publicly addressed the accusations yet. They’re currently busy launching Sora 2, their new video generator, and finalizing big partnerships with companies like Amazon. This comes as they’re already facing legal challenges – lawsuits or threats of lawsuits – from sources like The New York Times, author organizations, and even George R.R. Martin, all over similar issues. Despite this, some game developers, including EA, are already integrating AI into their work.

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2025-11-04 04:37