Copyright and AI

Does the copyright for the work I create using generative AI tools belong to me?

Purely AI-created works are not protected by copyright law; however, if a human significantly modifies the work, it may qualify for copyright protection. Prompts are not protected by copyright.

Am I allowed to upload/use copyrighted materials within generative AI tools?

Uploading copyrighted material into generative AI tools could potentially infringe on copyright holders' rights, especially when producing derivative works.

For responsible AI use, consider:

• Terms of Use: Check the specific AI tool's terms for guidance on using copyrighted material.
• Licensing: Secure proper licenses for copyrighted material for legal and ethical compliance.
• Copyright law: Stay informed about copyright law and AI-related changes.
• Transparency: Disclose the use of AI-generated content.

If you have a specific question, please reach out to the NECO Library at [email protected].

How do I cite the use of generative AI?

According to the 11th edition of the AMA Manual of Style, use nonproprietary terms like "chatbot" instead of brand names such as "ChatGPT" in articles unless referring to a specific tool. After first mentioning an AI tool, include its brand name, version number, manufacturer, and date used in parentheses. In the reference list, AI tools should be cited following the software citation format, including details like version, access date, and source.

Below is an example of what the resource should look like in a reference list:

1. ChatGPT. Version 4.0. OpenAI; 2025. Accessed January 1, 2025. https://openai.com/