In a significant move to protect authors’ intellectual property, Penguin Random House (“PRH”), the world’s largest trade publisher, has updated its copyright statement across all imprints globally. This change aims to prevent the unauthorized use of their books for training artificial intelligence (AI) systems and large language models (LLMs).
PRH’s updated copyright notice now explicitly states: “No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems.” This addition will appear in all new titles and reprinted backlist books, demonstrating PRH’s commitment to safeguarding their authors’ work as AI technology rapidly advances.
The revised copyright statement serves as a clear legal barrier against tech companies using PRH’s published works to train AI tools without permission. This move comes in response to recent copyright infringement cases and reports of pirated books being used for AI training.
The Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society has welcomed PRH’s initiative, with CEO Barbara Hayes expressing hope that other publishers will follow suit and that AI developers will take notice. The Society of Authors also praised the move but suggested that further steps, including amendments to author contracts, are necessary.
As the first of the “Big Five” anglophone trade publishers to make this change, PRH’s decision may set a precedent for the industry. Other publishers are likely to follow with similar measures to protect their content from unauthorized AI use.
While PRH is taking a strong stance on copyright protection, the company also acknowledges the need to “innovate responsibly” and use AI tools selectively where appropriate. In August the company outlined its initial approach to generative AI stating that it will “vigorously defend the intellectual property that belongs to our authors and artists” while also promising to “use generative AI tools selectively and responsibly, where we see a clear case that they can advance our goals.”
The publishing world continues to grapple with the implications of AI technology. While PRH’s copyright update is a significant step, it’s clear that ongoing discussions and potentially further legal and contractual changes will be necessary to fully address the challenges posed by AI in the literary world.