Judge Lets Authors’ Copyright Suit Proceed After ChatGPT Outline May Mirror Martin’s Work

Overview

• U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein said a ChatGPT-generated sequel outline could be deemed substantially similar to George R.R. Martin’s work, allowing the case to move forward.
• The lawsuit combines claims from prominent authors including Michael Chabon, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Jia Tolentino, and Sarah Silverman alongside Martin.
• Plaintiffs highlighted an outline titled “A Dance with Shadows,” featuring elements such as a new Targaryen heir named Lady Elara, a rogue sect of the Children of the Forest, and ancient dragon-related magic.
• The decision is procedural rather than a finding of liability, leaving issues like fair use and how the models were trained to be decided later.
• OpenAI and Microsoft have not issued public comments on the ruling.