The New York Times has filed a major copyright infringement lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging unauthorized use of its content to train ChatGPT and other AI models.

Key allegations in the lawsuit:

• OpenAI and Microsoft copied millions of Times articles without permission or compensation
• The Times' content was heavily used in training datasets, being the "most highly represented proprietary source" after U.S. patents and Wikipedia
• ChatGPT has reproduced Times articles verbatim in response to user prompts
• Bing Chat and Browse with Bing display unauthorized excerpts from Times content
• AI models are generating false articles and attributing them to the Times, causing reputational damage

The lawsuit comes after failed negotiations in April 2023, when the Times attempted to reach an agreement with both companies for licensed use of its content.

The Times is seeking damages for:

• Copyright infringement (vicarious and contributory)
• DMCA violations
• Unfair competition
• Trademark dilution

Microsoft's involvement stems from its $13 billion investment in OpenAI, which will give it a 49% stake in the company after the investment is repaid.

This lawsuit joins numerous other ongoing legal challenges against AI companies over copyright infringement concerns.

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