WME Files Brief in OpenAI Copyright Case

WME, the entertainment agency led by Ari Emanuel, has filed an amicus brief in the ongoing copyright infringement case involving OpenAI and the New York Times. The filing, submitted on October 30, argues that AI use of creative materials should be licensed rather than prohibited.

The case, which involves multiple media outlets and journalists, accuses OpenAI of using The New York Times’ content to develop products without permission or payment. WME’s brief emphasizes the need for ethical and responsible AI use, with proper compensation and authorization for creators.

WME’s legal team, including Courtney Braun and Jayaram PLLC, stresses the importance of maintaining a legal framework that allows creators to control how their work is used in AI systems. The agency is the first major Hollywood firm to formally participate in the case.

The lawsuit has already attracted support from other notable figures, including authors and actors like George R.R. Martin and Sarah Silverman. Additionally, SAG-AFTRA and other unions have filed their own briefs criticizing OpenAI for using the work of middle- and working-class creators.

The U.S. Department of Justice, represented by Donald Trump’s former attorneys, has also weighed in, supporting OpenAI’s methods and arguing that training large language models on copyrighted texts does not violate copyright law.

WME’s brief cites numerous licensing deals between AI companies and content creators, including a $250 million agreement between News Corp and OpenAI, as evidence of a growing market for such partnerships. The agency encourages OpenAI to engage in similar licensing arrangements.