AI-generated images are everywhere — from YouTube thumbnails to bestselling print-on-demand merch. But the question remains in 2025: are AI generated images copyrighted?
The short answer hasn’t changed: AI-only creations cannot be copyrighted under U.S. law. However, 2024–2025 has seen increasing legal challenges, new global guidelines, and revised licensing rules by popular AI platforms. This makes the topic even more urgent for creators, designers, and businesses.
Key 2025 Updates
- U.S. Copyright Office reaffirmed in late 2024 that AI outputs cannot be copyrighted unless substantial human modification qualifies.
- European Union AI Act (2024 rollout) now sets transparency obligations for generative AI developers, influencing how attribution works in the EU.
- Platform licensing has tightened: MidJourney updated its TOS in early 2025 to clarify terms around resale and redistribution.
Final Thoughts
So, are AI generated images copyrighted in 2025?
Still no. Machine-only content is not copyrightable. But lawmakers globally are wrestling with this issue. The trend is toward requiring human modification and transparency, meaning AI art should be viewed as a tool for creators, not a replacement for originality.
Pro Tip: Document your creative process when using AI. Having proof of your human contribution (edits, iterations, layering, original prompts) strengthens any legal claim of authorship.