The Seattle Times and Newsday have sued OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging the companies used their journalism without permission to train artificial-intelligence systems. The legal action was reported September 5 and centers on alleged copyright infringement involving copyrighted news content.
The two publications are challenging companies that develop or distribute AI technology, as first reported by TechCrunch. Their claims argue that the defendants used articles and other journalistic work in AI-related activities without authorization.
The dispute focuses on control of news content
Copyright gives news organizations control over how their published work is reused. The Seattle Times and Newsday contend that OpenAI and Microsoft crossed that boundary when their material allegedly became part of AI training.
The case puts attention on a central question for companies building large AI systems: whether they can use published reporting as input for training, and under what terms. Publishers invest in reporters, editors and the systems required to produce original coverage, while AI developers seek large collections of text for their products.
The outcome could affect publisher licensing decisions
The lawsuits matter because the allegations concern two major technology companies involved in AI development and distribution, as well as the commercial value of copyrighted reporting. A court decision on the claims could influence how publishers approach licensing, access to archives and other arrangements involving AI developers.
Important details remain unconfirmed. Available information does not specify when or where the lawsuits were filed, which individual works or AI systems the complaints identify, or what damages and other remedies the newspapers seek. OpenAI and Microsoft’s responses to the allegations have also not been provided, and the copyright claims have not been established by a court.
This article was produced with AI assistance from multi-source reporting and is published under our editorial standards.
