Copyright Act, Article 30-4

AI training and copyright

Can AI be trained on protected works?

Freely allowed

Broad exception for uses not aimed at enjoying the work

Holding

Allows using works for data analysis and other purposes not aimed at enjoying their expression, unless it unreasonably harms the rights holder's interests.

Japan is one of the most permissive places for AI training, with limits when it harms the creator's market.

Principles it bears on

• SupportsUsing protected works to train AI can be lawful under an exception or fair use.

Sources