What specific remedies are the Seattle Times and Newsday seeking?

They are seeking the destruction of any copies of their works that OpenAI and Microsoft hold, as well as training datasets and AI models that incorporate them.

Why is Microsoft named as a defendant in this lawsuit?

Microsoft is named because Copilot, its AI assistant, is built on OpenAI's technology.

Who else has sued OpenAI for similar copyright issues?

The New York Times, Ziff Davis, Merriam-Webster, and Encyclopedia Britannica have filed similar lawsuits. Nearly 400 local newspapers also recently sued the two companies.

AI Safety & AlignmentAI Regulation & PolicyThe Verge AISep 7, 2026Sep 7, 2026, 10:00 JST

Seattle Times, Newsday sue OpenAI, Microsoft over copyright

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3 Key Points

What happened
The Seattle Times and Newsday are suing OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging copyright infringement. They claim OpenAI used their journalism as training data without permission and often reproduces passages in responses.
Why it matters
This mirrors lawsuits by The New York Times, Ziff Davis, Merriam-Webster, and Encyclopedia Britannica. The publishers seek destruction of copies of their works, training datasets, and AI models that incorporate them. Microsoft is named because Copilot is built on OpenAI's technology.
What to watch
The suit's outcome hinges on whether courts see AI training and reproduction as fair use. The publishers join nearly 400 local newspapers that recently sued both companies, arguing chatbots reduce site visits and subscription revenue.

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Context & Analysis

This lawsuit adds to a growing wave of legal challenges against AI companies from content creators. The Seattle Times and Newsday argue that using their journalism for training and reproducing it in responses infringes copyright. They are not just seeking compensation but also demanding the destruction of AI models built on their work, a significant escalation.

The participation of Microsoft, due to its Copilot product, highlights the shared responsibility across the AI supply chain. The claim that chatbots reduce subscription revenue is a core economic concern for publishers. The outcome could set a precedent for how AI companies use copyrighted news content and whether they must license it or face legal consequences.

The immediate stakes hinge on the legal interpretation of fair use, which could reshape the business models of AI developers and the value of journalism. For readers, this may determine the availability and reliability of AI-generated news summaries in the future.

FAQ

What specific remedies are the Seattle Times and Newsday seeking?: They are seeking the destruction of any copies of their works that OpenAI and Microsoft hold, as well as training datasets and AI models that incorporate them.
Why is Microsoft named as a defendant in this lawsuit?: Microsoft is named because Copilot, its AI assistant, is built on OpenAI's technology.
Who else has sued OpenAI for similar copyright issues?: The New York Times, Ziff Davis, Merriam-Webster, and Encyclopedia Britannica have filed similar lawsuits. Nearly 400 local newspapers also recently sued the two companies.

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