Copyright and AI-Generated Content: Business FAQ

On copyright and AI-generated content, the practical answer is: generally your company can use AI-made text and images commercially in catalogs and websites, provided you follow the tool's terms and don't copy third-party works. Legal protection of that material, however, is uncertain. This article is informational, not legal advice, and rules vary by country and keep changing.

Can I use AI-generated text on my website and catalog?

In most cases, yes. AI tools typically allow commercial use of what you generate, but it depends on the plan and the terms of service. Read the sections on ownership and commercial use before publishing at scale.

Even when permitted, a person must review the content. The text may contain wrong information about your product, and you, not the tool, are responsible for what appears on your site.

Who is the author of an AI-made image or text?

This is the most debated point. In many countries, copyright law protects works with human authorship, and there are doubts about material produced with almost no human involvement. The trend in several places is to protect only the part with creative human input, such as selection, editing and arrangement.

In practice, you can use it, but you may not be able to stop a competitor from copying an image generated entirely by AI. For core brand assets such as a logo and visual identity, prefer human creation or heavy human editing.

Can the AI copy protected material without my noticing?

That risk exists. Models can produce something very close to an existing work, especially when the prompt names an artist, a brand or a character. Avoid prompts like that and be suspicious of results that remind you too much of something famous.

• Don't ask for images “in the style of” living artists or trademarked brands.
• Don't generate logos, mascots or packaging that resemble a competitor's.
• For text, run a similarity check when the piece is long and important.

Do I have to disclose that content was made with AI?

It depends on context. Some ad platforms and marketplaces ask for labels on synthetic content, and regulation is evolving in several countries. As a rule, disclose when an image could be mistaken for a real product or person photo.

In technical catalogs, never use an AI-generated image in place of a photo of the actual product you sell. Customers buy what they see, and an image that doesn't match the item leads to returns and complaints.

Best practices for commercial use

1. Read the tool's terms of use and keep a copy of the version in force when you publish.
2. Treat generated content as a draft: edit it, add real data and your own voice.
3. Keep a record of prompts and versions showing the human contribution.
4. Never put confidential data, customer information or trade secrets in a prompt.
5. Check facts, numbers and technical standards before publishing.
6. Set a simple internal policy on what may and may not be AI-generated.

Content that I feed into the AI

If you upload third-party photos, text or drawings for the AI to transform, you need the right to use them. The same goes for supplier photos and customers' own images. When in doubt, get written permission.

For websites and catalogs that mix human and AI content, see our help with website development and digital catalogs. For specific legal decisions, consult an intellectual property attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Can I register an AI-generated image as mine?

It depends on the country and the degree of human input. In several jurisdictions, material made without human creative contribution is not protected; consult an attorney before registering.

Is it safe to use AI for marketing materials?

Generally yes, with human review, respect for the tool's terms and care not to imitate brands or artists. Keep confidential data out of prompts.

Do I need permission to train an AI on my own documents?

If the documents are yours, usually not. If they include third-party content, such as supplier manuals, check licenses and contracts first.