Creativity in the Age of AI: How Artists and Writers Can Protect Their Work

Creativity in the Age of AI: How Artists and Writers Can Protect Their Work

In 1964, during an interview for The Paris Review, Pablo Picasso scoffed at the idea of computers as creative forces. When asked about the rise of “enormous new mechanical brains,” he famously said:

“But they are useless. They can only give you answers.”

It’s hard to blame him for his scepticism.

The computers of the 1960s were glorified calculators—impressive, yes, but hardly capable of composing a Cubist masterpiece or crafting a novel. But today? Picasso might have had a very different reaction to AI-generated art, where machines don’t just give answers—they generate entire paintings, write novels, compose symphonies, and even mimic human creative styles with eerie accuracy.

On the other hand, Norwegian political scientist Christian Lous Lange, speaking in 1921 as he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, suggested something different:

“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.”

Lange, who lived through World War I, was concerned about military technology falling into the wrong hands. But his words have become timeless, particularly now as AI begins creeping into every aspect of our creative world.

Between Picasso’s dismissal of machines and Lange’s caution against their unchecked power, we find ourselves in an era where AI is no longer an assistant to human creativity—it is becoming a contender. And that raises some very real legal questions.

At DesignWise, we are passionate about providing insightful blogs and resources to help artists, writers, and designers navigate AI’s impact on creativity. But when it comes to legal protection, our trusted legal team at Sharon Givoni Consulting powers DesignWise, providing expert legal guidance to safeguard your creative work.

For legal assistance tailored to creatives, contact Sharon Givoni Consulting here: Contact Us

1. Can AI-Generated Work Be Copyrighted?

Picasso might have dismissed AI-generated art outright, but would it even be legally protected? The short answer? Not in Australia.

Under current copyright law, only human-created works qualify for protection. That means:

• If AI alone generates a work, it cannot be copyrighted.
• If human input is significant, the work may qualify for copyright.
• Using AI as a tool (like Photoshop) doesn’t affect copyright ownership.

The lawyers at Sharon Givoni Consulting help creatives understand where AI fits into their process and how to legally protect their work.

2. Is AI Copying Your Work Without Permission?

AI models are trained on vast datasets of images, books, and artworks—often without the original creator’s consent. Many artists are discovering AI-generated content that closely resembles their style. Picasso might have found it amusing to see AI generate an infinite supply of Cubist knockoffs—until he realised he wasn’t getting paid for any of them.

This website is powered by Sharon Givoni Consulting (www.sharongivoni.com.au) which assists creatives in all things legal:

• Tracking AI-generated works that imitate their style.
• Understanding legal options for challenging AI-driven copies.
• Protecting their creative rights in this evolving landscape.

The irony is that Picasso’s concern—that computers are only capable of giving answers—no longer holds up. Today’s AI doesn’t just answer, it creates, manipulates, and reimagines—but at what cost to the original artists?

3. AI in Contracts: Protecting Your Rights

AI-generated content is increasingly being used in:

• Design & Illustration – AI-created branding, prints, and logos.
• Publishing – AI-generated books, scripts, and journalism.
• Music & Audio – AI-composed songs and soundtracks.

But who owns these works? And what rights do original artists and writers have? Lange’s warning about technology becoming a “dangerous master” applies here—creators who don’t take proactive legal steps could find themselves replaced by AI-generated versions of their own work.

Creators must update contracts to clarify ownership, AI usage rights, and licensing agreements. The legal team behind DesignWise, Sharon Givoni Consulting, helps artists secure contracts that safeguard their intellectual property.

4. The Future of AI and Copyright in Australia

The Australian Government is exploring:

• New laws requiring AI companies to disclose training data.
• Compensation models for artists whose work trains AI.
• Stronger copyright protections against AI-generated infringement.

With laws constantly evolving, creatives need expert guidance to stay ahead. Read more here:
https://www.copyright.com.au/membership/ai-and-copyright-in-australia/

And for the legal side of things, click here:
https://sharongivoni.com.au/the-artist-vs-the-algorithm-ai-and-copyright-law/

AND

https://sharongivoni.com.au/ai-and-copyright-in-australia-what-artists-and-businesses-need-to-know/

How Sharon Givoni Consulting Can Help

• Strengthen contracts to prevent AI misuse.
• Monitor and track AI-generated copies of your work.
• Advise on copyright and intellectual property protections.
• Ensure AI tools don’t compromise your ownership rights.

At DesignWise, we provide insightful content to empower creatives, while Sharon Givoni Consulting offers practical legal solutions to protect your work.

Need legal advice on AI and copyright? Contact Sharon Givoni Consulting here: Contact Us

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Please note the above article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.

Please email us info@iplegal.com.au if you need legal advice about your brand or another legal matter in this area generally.