Illustrator Axel Scheffler threatens lawsuit over AI-generated Gruffalo images

Axel Scheffler, the artist behind the beloved Gruffalo character, announced he is weighing a lawsuit against OpenAI because the company’s ChatGPT model can generate pictures that look like his illustrations within seconds. Scheffler said the AI outputs clearly replicate his figure, even if the backgrounds differ, and he is talking with his publishers about collective legal action with other creators. This potential case mirrors a recent filing by Penguin Random House, which accuses OpenAI of violating the copyright of author-illustrator Ingo Siegner by reproducing his dragon-character images and even suggesting ready-made publishing material.

The German booksellers’ association, Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, has voiced support for that suit. OpenAI responded that it is examining the claims and aims to work with publishers worldwide so they can benefit from AI technology while respecting rights.