What is OpenAI's main legal argument in this case?

OpenAI argues that training AI models on copyrighted text is fair use, a position the Trump administration's statement supports.

What is The New York Times seeking in the lawsuit?

The Times alleges OpenAI unlawfully trained its AI on its articles and seeks “billions of dollars” in damages from both OpenAI and Microsoft.

Has there been a similar ruling in another AI copyright case?

In 2025, a judge ruled Anthropic could train on lawfully purchased books but was liable for piracy, leading to a $1.5 billion settlement with authors.

Large Language ModelsAI Business & IndustryAI Regulation & PolicyThe Verge AI4h agoSep 3, 2026, 04:01 JST2 min read

Trump backs OpenAI in NYT copyright lawsuit

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Key takeaway

The Trump administration supports OpenAI in the NYT copyright case.
It argues AI training is fair use.
The outcome could shape media lawsuits against AI labs.

3 Key Points

What happened
The Trump administration filed a statement of interest in The New York Times’ copyright case against OpenAI, supporting the AI lab’s claim that training AI on copyrighted text is fair use.
Why it matters
The case, filed in December 2023, seeks “billions of dollars” in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft. A ruling against OpenAI could narrow fair-use protections and affect other media lawsuits, including those from the Center for Investigative Reporting, Chicago Tribune, and New York Daily News.
What to watch
The court’s decision could set precedent for media-AI disputes. In 2025, a judge found Anthropic liable for piracy, leading to a $1.5 billion settlement with authors.

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Context & Analysis

The Trump administration's intervention aligns with its broader stance that AI training should count as fair use, as outlined in its National AI Legislative Framework. The administration has used statements of interest in private litigation to advance policy aims, and Trump's personal defamation suit against the Times may add context. The outcome of this case could influence other media outlets' lawsuits against AI labs, which have grown in recent years. Meanwhile, many outlets, including the Associated Press and Vox Media, have chosen licensing deals with OpenAI, suggesting a split between litigation and partnership. A ruling against OpenAI might push more outlets toward licensing, while a ruling for OpenAI could weaken future copyright claims.

FAQ

What is OpenAI's main legal argument in this case?: OpenAI argues that training AI models on copyrighted text is fair use, a position the Trump administration's statement supports.
What is The New York Times seeking in the lawsuit?: The Times alleges OpenAI unlawfully trained its AI on its articles and seeks “billions of dollars” in damages from both OpenAI and Microsoft.
Has there been a similar ruling in another AI copyright case?: In 2025, a judge ruled Anthropic could train on lawfully purchased books but was liable for piracy, leading to a $1.5 billion settlement with authors.

The Verge AIRead Original Article

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Also reported by TechCrunch AI, WIRED AI

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