Jelly Urges Industry to Input on Copyright and AI Consultation Closing Tomorrow

Image credit: Alva Skog

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched a public consultation titled "Consultation on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence," which closes tomorrow. This initiative seeks to gather input on proposed changes to copyright law in response to the rapid evolution of AI technologies.

The consultation suggests an "exception with rights reservation" approach, meaning AI companies could use copyrighted materials for training by default—unless the rights holders specifically say no. 

The IPO is calling on all stakeholders—creators, AI developers, and the public—to take part in the consultation as the input collected will shape a framework that drives AI innovation.

Jelly co-MD Nicki Field commented, “Copyright law as it stands is not confusing. The issue is that big tech has bulldozed it and ignored it to their gain and to the detriment of artists globally. I am not anti-AI, it is a technology that is here, growing and can be used in so many ways and sectors across society for good. 

However I firmly believe that eroding Copyright laws in order to embrace AI development as a gain for the UK economy is a dangerous move. If there’s anything we’ve learnt in the last few years, it’s that big tech needs regulating, not emboldening. The UK creative industry contributes £125bn to our GDP, this legislation if it goes ahead, it cuts this off at its roots by compromising the ability of creatives to exercise the economic rights to their work. The proposed ‘opt out’ solution by the Government is the wrong way round and favours big tech. 

I strongly hope the Government reassess their proposal and instead choose to strengthen Copyright laws and protect the voices and livelihoods of the many independent creative rights holders resident in the UK.”

Jelly founder Chris Page added, “Unless we act now, Illustrators and creators are going to lose the rights that protect their work and livelihood. The UK government's proposed changes to copyright laws, influenced by Big Tech donations, pose a huge threat to our industry. While AI can be a valuable tool, Generative AI, which is trained on potentially stolen work, YOUR stolen work, endangers the creative rights of us all. The government's claim of 'uncertainty about copyright' is totally unfounded. We know the importance of safeguarding artists' creations. Our voices matter and time is running out. We have to voice our concerns before February 25th. Once your work is stolen, you can’t get it back.”