The Delhi High Court has denied an interim injunction against OpenAI, affirming that training ChatGPT on copyrighted materials does not violate the Indian Copyright Act. The ruling indicates a potential shift in the interpretation of copyright protections in the context of AI technologies.
Delhi High Court Affirms Legality of AI Training
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court, presided by Justice Amit Bansal, has refused to grant an interim injunction against OpenAI, allowing it to train ChatGPT on copyrighted works. The court held that such training is prima facie protected under the Indian Copyright Act.
Justice Bansal highlighted that the inclusion of copyrighted materials in data sets for training AI does not inherently constitute infringement, acknowledging the necessity of a balance between copyright protections and the advancement of technology. The court's examination focused on the interpretation of 'fair use' provisions within the Act, suggesting that transformative uses may not be subject to infringement claims.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's recognition of evolving technological landscapes and the implications for intellectual property laws.
For legal practitioners, this development signals the importance of understanding how copyright laws interact with emerging technologies like AI. Companies engaging in AI development may gain insights into navigating copyright limitations, potentially influencing the development of policies and business strategies in the tech sector.
Citations
- ChatGPT v. Copyrights (2026) Delhi HC
