Highlights
- Book publishers led by the FIP have filed a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI.
- The case is against the company using books without permission to train ChatGPT.
- The lawsuit concerns ChatGPT’s ability to generate book summaries harming book sales.
- FIP is seeking to stop OpenAI from accessing their copyrighted content or to delete datasets used in AI training and explain compensation.
- The case aims to join another ongoing case by Indian news agency ANI against OpenAI.
- The outcome of the hearings in New Delhi is scheduled for January 28.
Indian and international book publishers have filed a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI accusing the company of using books without permission to train its AI tool ChatGPT. This lawsuit, led by the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP), joins a growing list of global legal challenges from authors, news organisations and musicians seeking to protect their intellectual property from unauthorised use by AI systems.
The FIP representing major publishers like Bloomsbury, Penguin Random House, Cambridge University Press, Pan Macmillan, Rupa Publications and S. Chand and Co. filed the case in December in New Delhi. According to the federation’s general secretary Pranav Gupta, “Our ask from the court is that they should stop (OpenAI from) accessing our copyright content.”
He added, “In case they don’t want to do licensing with us, they should delete datasets used in AI training and explain how we will be compensated. This impacts creativity.”
The case specifically concerns ChatGPT’s ability to generate book summaries, which publishers fear could harm book sales. Gupta expressed his concern saying, “This free tool produces book summaries, extracts, why would people buy books then? This will impact our sales, all members are concerned about this.”
OpenAI’s Position and Legal Battles
OpenAI has not commented on the lawsuit, which was filed in December and reported here for the first time. The company has consistently denied allegations of copyright misuse stating that its AI systems make “fair use” of publicly available data.
The lawsuit aims to join an ongoing case filed by Indian news agency ANI against OpenAI, which is seen as the most prominent legal challenge in India on this issue. In response to the ANI case, OpenAI reportedly argued that any order to delete training data would “result in a violation of its U.S. legal obligations,” and that “Indian judges have no right to hear a copyright case against the company as its servers are located abroad.”
However, the FIP has countered this asserting, “OpenAI offers services in India so its activities should fall under Indian laws.”
Protecting Copyrighted Works
One of the FIP’s members Penguin Random House announced in November a global initiative to include a statement on the copyright page of its books that says, “No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training AI technologies.”
A Reuters test highlighted the issue, where ChatGPT was asked for details about the first volume of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, published by Bloomsbury. The tool provided chapter-by-chapter summaries and a list of key events, stopping short of reproducing the actual text.
ChatGPT explained, “I cannot provide the entire text of the book, as it is copyrighted material.”
“These cases represent a pivotal moment and can potentially shape the future legal framework on AI in India,” said Siddharth Chandrashekhar, a Mumbai-based lawyer. “The judgment passed here will test the balance between protecting IP and promoting tech advancement.”
OpenAI, which made its first hire in India last year by appointing former WhatsApp executive Pragya Misra for public policy and partnerships, now faces growing scrutiny in a rapidly expanding digital market. Indian Express reports, “OpenAI made its first India hire last year when it tapped former WhatsApp executive, Pragya Misra, to handle public policy and partnerships in the country of 1.4 billion people, where millions of new users are going online, thanks to cheap mobile data prices.”
The case has so far been listed before a court registrar in New Delhi who on January 10 asked OpenAI to respond. A judge is set to hear the matter on January 28 with the outcome likely to set a major precedent for the use of AI in India.
FAQs
Q1. Who has filed a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI and why?
Answer. Indian and international book publishers, led by the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP), have filed a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI for using books without permission to train its AI tool, ChatGPT.
Q2. What concerns do the publishers have regarding ChatGPT’s capabilities?
Answer. The lawsuit concerns ChatGPT’s ability to generate book summaries, which publishers fear could harm book sales. They want OpenAI to stop accessing their copyrighted content or delete datasets used in AI training and explain compensation.
Q3. What is the current legal status of the lawsuit against OpenAI in India?
Answer. The case aims to join an ongoing case filed by Indian news agency ANI against OpenAI. A court registrar in New Delhi has asked OpenAI to respond, and a judge is set to hear the matter on January 28, with the outcome likely to set a major precedent for the use of AI in India.
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