State of play · data as of 2026-10-21
The model as a copy
Is a trained model a copy of its training works?
Where it's heading
Positions on a five-point scale; see the methodology. Narrowed or overruled decisions are left out.
The law todayToo few to say
2 jurisdictions
1 a copy of its training works1 not a copy
ProposalsLeaning to the middle: a copy where it memorises works
3 papers
1 a copy of its training works2 a copy where it memorises works
Who says what
Every source behind each group’s position, including those still pending or taking no position. Open one for the full summary and the primary source.
Law
1 toward a copy of its training works · 1 toward not a copy · 3 sources
Policymakers
All 1: a copy where it memorises works · 1 source
Academia
1 a copy where it memorises works · 1 toward a copy of its training works · 2 sources
Professional bodies
No position yet · 0 sources
No source from this group on this question yet. Know one we’re missing? Tell us.
Current law, jurisdiction by jurisdiction
The most authoritative decision or act still in force in each jurisdiction. Open Decisions for the full list.
| Jurisdiction | Leading authority | Answer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Andersen v. Stability AI (motion to dismiss)U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California · 2024 · First instance | No position | Ongoing |
| Germany | GEMA v. OpenAILandgericht München I (Regional Court) · 2025 · First instance | Closer to a copy of its training works | Ongoing |
| United Kingdom | Getty Images v. Stability AIHigh Court of England and Wales · 2025 · First instance | Closer to not a copy | Ongoing |
Options on the table
Proposals from parliaments, governments, universities and professional bodies, ordered by breadth of support. Each source group weighs the same.
No proposals recorded on this question yet.
Who backs each option →What's pending
Decisions still under appeal, and policy moves in the last 18 months.
Decisions under appeal
- GEMA v. OpenAILandgericht München I (Regional Court) · 2025-11-11 · Under appeal.
- Getty Images v. Stability AIHigh Court of England and Wales · 2025-11-04 · Permission to appeal granted (December 2025).
- Andersen v. Stability AI (motion to dismiss)U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California · 2024-08-12 · Proceedings continue.
Recent policy moves
- Copyright and AI, Part 3: Generative AI TrainingU.S. Copyright Office · 2025-05-09
Latest on this topic
A descriptive map of public sources, not legal advice and not a recommendation. Positions are a curated reading, not an exhaustive survey. See the methodology.