Generative Artificial Intelligence, Copyright, and New Revenue Models in the Cultural Sector

The project examines how authors of creative works can exercise influence over the use of their works as AI training material, and how such use may generate new revenue streams for them.

From the perspective of creators, the development of generative AI presents both risks and opportunities. AI may negatively affect human creators’ employment across various sectors of the creative industries, as well as limiting their ability to control how their works are used as training data. Simultaneously, it is crucial that creators are able to capitalize on the opportunities emerging for new forms of income.

The study explores the realization of copyright in the context of the growing prevalence of generative AI. It assesses how AI development can create new revenue opportunities for rights holders, with particular focus on the licensing of works as AI training material. The project investigates the perspectives of cultural sector stakeholders on the applicability of different licensing models, examines mechanisms to ensure fair compensation for creators, and identifies best practices for the development of licensing frameworks.

The research project is part of Cupore’s continuous assessment of the Finnish copyright system. The goal is to increase the transparency of the copyright system, add to the general understanding of the system’s operation and support fact-based decision-making.