Frankfurt Appeal on Generative AI
At the Frankfurt Book Fair, publishers signed an appeal demanding effective tools for legal enforcement of copyright and asking for data transparency. Called “Frankfurt Appeal,” the document was directed to the EU Commission, the EU Parliament, and the German Federal Government.
The Appeal raises concerns about the training of AI models using copyrighted works without the consent of publishers and authors. It argues that AI companies exploit valuable products without compensating their creators, while copyright infringements have largely gone unpunished. Additionally, the Appeal highlights the lack of transparency in the process, as AI companies do not disclose the specific works used to train their generative AI models. This lack of clear legal obligations makes it difficult to enforce reserved rights without resorting to costly court proceedings against international players.
The Appeal calls on legislators to ensure the following: (i) Transparency obligations for AI companies must also include the disclosure of the specific training data for each work. The current general guidelines for AI providers fall far short of the requirements of the EU AI Regulation, whose stated purpose is, among other things, to improve the enforcement of rights by copyright holders. (ii) A licensing market with fair revenue models needs to be developed. Currently, AI providers can effectively use the text and data mining regulations without paying any compensation. Usage restrictions are often ignored. (iii) Overall, existing European copyright law must be respected and enforced effectively. Rights whose infringement goes unpunished are worthless. Sign the Frankfurt Appeal here.
WIPO Global Forum on IP and AI
From 9-10 November 2026, the Global Forum on IP and AI will take place in Geneva, at WIPO. The two-day program will address AI-related legal and policy issues across the full spectrum of intellectual property rights, including patents, copyright, trademarks, designs, trade secrets, and the broader impact of AI on IP, innovation, and creativity. Claudia Catelin from the Publishers Association (UK) will be speaking at the event.
The Global Forum on IP and AI provides a dedicated, sustained space for stakeholders to build a shared understanding and shape where this fast-moving debate will lead. It is designed to allow Member States and other stakeholders to share experiences, exchange views, and present updates, fostering an open, inclusive, and forward-looking dialogue to shape the future of AI and IP.
The Forum will examine the dual impact of AI, considering both its potential and its limitations, and explore how the IP system should evolve and adapt to remain fit for its purpose: maximizing the benefits of this new technology while ensuring that human beings remain at the heart of innovation and creativity. Read more and register here.
IPA backs publishers in Australia as government considers AI options
The IPA, along wiht other publishers associations has made a submission to the Australian government and the Australian Parliament’s Joint Select Committee supporting the Australian Publishers Association’s calls for consent, negotiated terms and a sustainable future for Australian writing and publishing, asking the Committee for opt-in based consent, transparency around AI training and effective enforcement.
Read the Australian Publishers Association submission here: https://www.publishers.asn.au/Web/Latest/APANews/20261021-australian-publishers-joint-select-commitee.aspx