Module 11: Copyright & AI in Professional Work - DRAFT
Core Reality (High-Level, U.S.-Focused)
Section titled “Core Reality (High-Level, U.S.-Focused)”- Purely AI-generated content, with no meaningful human creative input, typically is not protected by copyright.
- Copyright protects human authorship—your original analysis, structure, and language.
- Prompts alone, even detailed ones, usually are not enough to establish authorship.
Human Contribution Spectrum
Section titled “Human Contribution Spectrum”| Level | Likely Protection | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pure AI output | No | Copying an AI slide deck verbatim. |
| Light edits only | Weak/uncertain | Minor edits to AI text. |
| Substantial human shaping | Yes (your part) | AI draft heavily reworked, original analysis added. |
| Human primary, AI assist | Yes (standard) | You originate content; AI helps with phrasing or structure. |
The more you transform and extend AI output with your own thinking, the stronger the protection.
Deliverables & IP Expectations
Section titled “Deliverables & IP Expectations”- If a deliverable is mostly raw AI output, neither RBA, Inc. nor [Client Name] may have a strong IP claim.
- Engagement or project terms should:
- Disclose that AI tools may be used.
- Clarify that IP attaches to human-authored elements.
- Define how rights to the final deliverable are assigned or licensed.
Do not promise “fully proprietary” IP if you know a deliverable relies heavily on untransformed AI output.
Using Third‑Party Content via AI
Section titled “Using Third‑Party Content via AI”- Do not ask AI to reproduce copyrighted works and then ship that output.
- Treat AI-assisted research like human research:
- Use AI to help locate information.
- Attribute original sources appropriately.
- Summarize in your own words.
Platform Terms & Accounts
Section titled “Platform Terms & Accounts”- Use RBA, Inc.’s enterprise/business accounts, not personal accounts.
- Review and rely on business/API terms for output rights.
- Consumer/free terms may restrict commercial or professional use.
Simple Heuristic Before Claiming “Proprietary” or “Copyrighted”
Section titled “Simple Heuristic Before Claiming “Proprietary” or “Copyrighted””Ask:
- Did I contribute substantial original analysis, structure, or language?
- Is that contribution visible in the final work?
- Is any third‑party content used in a way that would be acceptable even if no AI were involved?
If the answer to any is “no” and the IP stakes are high, involve legal before making representations.