Ghibli-Style AI Art Sparks Legal Storm: Copyright Challenges and Artistic Integrity in India
Jun. 26, 2025 • Tania Kukreja, LL.M. Student, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab
Student's Pen
Introduction:
With the advent of the new launch of OpenAI’s 40 image generation- it took the internet with a storm with its feature of turning real images into popular art forms. The one that became the most popular one is the Ghibli-style artwork. This style resembles the distinctive style of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli- the renowned Japanese animation studio founded in 1985.
Studio- Ghibli’s co-founder Miyazaki has been vocal about his concerns regarding artificial intelligence and its impact on art. He believes that AI-generated content lacks the profound emotions and personal experiences that human artists infuse into their work.
Miyazaki emphasizes that AI may imitate technique, but it lacks the emotional depth and lived experiences embedded in human art.
This critique raises important questions about the future of creativity in an age where AI can quickly generate images, music, and text. Miyazaki warns that the unique essence of human creativity may be overshadowed by efficiency and instant gratification. His viewpoint reminds us of the value of human artistry and the irreplaceable depth derived from genuine lived experiences.
While fans have flooded social media with dreamy, anime-inspired transformations, the legal and ethical storm surrounding this trend is hard to ignore. Currently, there is a rising trend of artists taking legal action against AI image generators for allegedly utilizing their artwork without permission to train their AI models for generating images.
What actions can be taken in this context, and what is the current situation regarding these lawsuits? Considering this perspective, let’s examine the issue of copyright laws and their potential infringement.
What is Copyright?
It is a legal concept that grants a creator of the original artwork exclusive rights to its use and distribution. This could include traditional paintings, digital art, sculptures and even sketches. Once your artwork is completed or recorded in a medium, it becomes tangible and thus can be copyrighted.
In India, copyright is automatic once the artwork is created in a tangible form, but registration strengthens legal protection and is highly recommended for enforcement.
With the growth of AI “borrowing” our art online, it is imperative to get our artwork copyrighted, it will ensure that our artwork is protected and informs others of infringing it leading to legal implications.
Copyright Registration:
The process might vary on the location you are situated, but the general steps include:
1- Prepare your Artwork- Make sure the artwork is original and in final form.
2- Document Everything- Keeping detailed records of your artwork, and the creative process will help in proving your work as authentic. The process could include detailed sketches, drafts or notes. This process is not necessary for the registration process but can help if a dispute arises.
3- Submit to your Copyright Office- Create an application and apply through Copyright office of India either online or offline.
4- Submit Required Documents: Documents like
- Copy of your Artwork (photographs or scans)
- Proof of Authorship (such as sketches and drafts)
- Address proof
- Identity proof
- Declaration stating that the artwork made by you is your original work.
5- Pay the fee- The fee structure is based on the nature of the artwork presented to be copyrighted and whether the applicant is an individual or an organization.
6- Application process- Once the application is submitted it will take time to process the application. If there are no objections, your copyright will be registered. If required, you may need to respond to queries or provide additional information.
7- Copyright Certificate- Once the application is approved, you will receive a copyright registration certificate. It serves as a legal proof of ownership of your work.
To protect your art on other platforms, it is imperative that the artists also add watermarks, metadata or use platforms like DeviantArt that allow restricted AI scraping.
AI vs Artists: Legal actions when your work is copied
If you find that your artwork has been used without permission by AI models or others, consider the following legal actions:
1- Cease and Desist Notice: A formal letter demanding the infringer stop unauthorized use of your work. Often a first step before litigation.
2- Copyright Infringement Suit: In India, you can file a lawsuit under section 51- 63 of the Copyright Act, 1957 for civil remedies like injunctions, damages, and account of profits.
3- DMCA Takedown Notices: If the violation appears on global platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or ArtStation, a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice can be submitted to request immediate removal of the infringing content.
4- Filing a Complaint under IT Rules, 2021: Under India’s Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code, creators can file complaints against online misuse, especially involving content that affects privacy or copyright.
These remedies aim to enforce accountability in an age where AI can reproduce artistic works in seconds.
The Ghibli Controversy and Studio Uproar:
A recent example is the OpenAI's use of Studio Ghibli-style visuals, which allegedly replicates millions of unique artistic identities without authorization from the studio, as pointed out by its co-founder.
In India alone, over 700 million Ghibli-style images have been generated — making it OpenAI’s fastest-growing market.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called it a testament to India's creativity, noting how it is surpassing the rest of the world. But the critics argue it reveals a systematic pattern of unconsented use of artistic styles.
However, this also brings to light the potential for misuse. While users may experiment creatively, it poses significant risks not only for them but also for the artists who spend years painstakingly creating their artwork, only to see it replicated and claimed as original within minutes.
Another significant concern with the usage of images for trending Ghibli style photo is the privacy breach. Many individuals are willingly sharing their faces and personal photographs with ChatGPT in exchange for a stylistic makeover inspired by Ghibli or Sesame Street. In doing so, OpenAI is effectively building a vast database of new images that could be utilized for training AI models. Once these images are uploaded, users essentially lose control over their content and how it may be used in the future.
The Road Ahead:
AI companies often defend their practices by arguing that mimicking a style does not infringe copyright because it doesn’t copy a specific, tangible work. This legal grey area underlines the urgent need for regulation.
Proposed actions could include:
- Requiring licenses for use of datasets that include copyrighted or stylistic works.
- Mandatory attribution or revenue sharing for artists whose work is used.
- Clear opt-out systems for creators who don’t want their works used in training.
- Transparency in AI datasets and training sources.
International bodies like WIPO are currently reviewing guidelines on AI and copyright, and countries like Japan, India, and the U.S. — all parties to the Berne Convention — may soon face pressure to clarify protections.
Conclusion: Protecting Art in the age of Algorithms
The explosion of Ghibli-style AI art has opened exciting creative avenues but has also unearthed deep cracks in the legal and ethical foundations of our digital world.
While AI tools offer speed and novelty, they cannot replicate the soul of human experience, the distinct Ghibli- style is a storytelling language crafted by decades of emotional insight and cultural heritage it cannot be replaced just as a technique.
Protecting the work of artists is crucial for any country, as it ensures that future generations can experience the genuine emotions expressed through their creations, rather than relying solely on automated digital outputs. It's essential to cultivate an environment where artists do not feel discouraged or threatened by emerging technologies. Instead, we should focus on implementing laws that safeguard their rights, allowing them to create freely and protect their work.