Recently, a well-known novel platform's new agreement triggered a furor. The agreement makes it clear that the platform will use the signed author's work for AI training, triggering strong dissatisfaction among many netbook authors.
Some authors have called on everyone to stop working together, even launching "break initiatives".
Some authors have complained to the authorities about copyright issues on the platform.
There are also authors who are considering taking down their work and staying away from the platform.
Once novels become "food" for AI engines, what will happen to freedom of creation and copyright ownership? Chief AI Sharing Circle takes this opportunity to discuss the copyright dilemma behind novels.
Who owns the rights to my novel?
There are two basic concepts that need to be recognized in order to understand who owns the copyright in a novel.
copyright license cap (a poem) copyright assignment
copyright licenseThis refers to the author's permission for others to use his or her work under certain conditions, such as time or use restrictions, but the copyright remains with the author.
copyright assignmentThis is a permanent sale of ownership of the work to another person. Once transferred, the author retains only the right of attribution and all other rights (reproduction, distribution, etc.) belong to the platform or the buyer.
Whether it is a license or a transfer depends on the content of the specific agreement you signed with the platform. Before signing the contract, you must read it carefully and clearly understand the copyright attribution. Once the novel is used for AI training, the consequences can be imagined! The only alternative you can do is to refuse to sign the supplemental agreement and apply for copyright protection in time.
How do I register my novel's copyright?
Once copyright ownership has been established, the novel can be registered. This will provide clear legal proof of the work and will help in the defense of rights.
Due to the special update mode of novels, works are often at risk of being pirated. You can apply for a TSA time stamp for the unfinished work, which proves that the work already exists and belongs to you at a certain point in time. After the book is completed, you can register the copyright formally to get full legal protection.
The benefits of copyright registration include.
- Clarification of ownership: the certificate of registration is the legal proof of ownership of the work
- Rights protection: provide strong evidence in disputes, safeguard the rights and interests of authors
- Commercial value: increase the commercial value of the work, which is conducive to subsequent licensing and cooperation.
How can I protect my rights against copyright infringement of novels?
After understanding copyright ownership and registration, let's take a look at actual cases of copyright infringement.
Nine Months' "Little South Wind" Infringement Case
Nineveh's novel Xiao Nanfeng was accused of being substantially similar to Zuzan's earlier work Crossing Time and Embracing You. The court found that Max had infringed Jim's copyright and was required to cease publication and distribute the book and pay 130,000 yuan in damages.
"Substantial similarity" is the key criterion for determining infringement, involving a comparison of the core expression, theme, details and structure of the two works. If there is a high degree of consistency between the two works in terms of plot advancement, characterization, etc., they can be considered substantially similar.
Even in the relatively free field of online writing, copyright law is strictly applied in the event of infringement.
Copyright protection is crucial for every author. Knowing who owns the copyright, registering it, and actively defending it are the only ways to truly protect your creative work.
