What Austin Businesses Could Learn from the Ghibli-Style AI Controversy

You might have scrolled past a LinkedIn post featuring AI-generated artwork that mimics the distinct style of Studio Ghibli. OpenAI released an image generator tool that can mimic the distinct style of Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli. 

While many are cautious about using AI-generated images over commercial-free images due to copyright concerns, some may be entirely unaware of any intellectual property (IP) violations when using these generative images.  

The image generator seemed harmless, but they’re facing copyright lawsuits over its flagship chatbot that has largely encouraged the “Ghiblification” experiments.  

This controversy raises some interesting questions: 

• Was the AI trained on copyrighted works without permission?
• Can an artistic “style” be copyrighted, or only specific images and characters?
• How should artists be compensated if their work is used to train AI — especially if it is for commercial use?

How Should Businesses View This Approach?

Austin thrives on its unique creative culture, boasting a strong community of local artists, designers, and creative professionals. Even if the city’s logo causes controversy, local preference is always valued.  

Here are some key takeaways for business owners to keep in mind. 

Balance Innovation

AI tools are incredibly helpful for idea generation, mood boards, or rapid prototyping — but relying on them for final products, especially for commercial use or graphics, can cause some murky legal uncertainty.  

Reputation Matters, Especially Local

Consider how your creative assets are used. Being associated with unauthorized reproductions could pose potential risks.  

Support Local Talent When Able

Hiring local artists not only strengthens community-driven messaging but also helps avoid copyright disputes associated with AI-generated content.   

Read Our Blog: Judge Lets Landmark Lawsuit Against OpenAI Move Forward

Legal Considerations for Business Owners

From a neutral standpoint, both sides of the AI debate raise valid points. Artists are concerned about exploitation, while Austin’s companies argue that AI encourages innovation. For business owners, the focus should be on risk management: 

• Licensing – Confirm whether your AI tools are licensed to use copyrighted materials. Some platforms disclose their training data sources, while others do not.
• Contracts – When hiring artists, designers, or agencies, ensure contracts clearly define ownership of creative works and how they may be used.
• IP Protection – Register your own copyrights, trademarks, and logos. This makes it easier to act if your brand assets appear in unauthorized AI content.
• Compliance Policies – Establish internal guidelines for when and how your team may use AI-generated content.
• Future Litigation – Be aware that courts are still defining the boundaries of AI and copyright law. Cases pending today may set rules that reshape tomorrow’s best practices.

For Austin businesses, the lesson isn’t to avoid AI or to reject it in favor of artists — it’s to approach both thoughtfully. AI can provide efficiency and creativity, but hiring local artists ensures originality, strengthens community ties, and reduces legal exposure. 

In this rapidly evolving landscape, innovative businesses will strike a balance: using AI where it adds value, while investing in human creativity where originality and authenticity matter most.  

At Richards Rodriguez & Skeith, we help Texas businesses address tomorrow’s intellectual property concerns in the age of AI. Whether you’re using contracts, evaluating licensing risks, or protecting your creative assets, our team of intellectual property attorneys can provide the guidance you need. Contact our office today.