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Blog 2025-06-30 5 min read

AI-Generated 3D Model Copyright and Legal Issues Complete Analysis: Essential Legal Guide for Creators

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Open3D Team
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AI-Generated 3D Model Copyright and Legal Issues Complete Analysis: Essential Legal Guide for Creators

As AI-generated 3D model technology becomes widespread, copyright and legal issues have become one of the most concerning topics for creators and enterprises. Can AI-generated 3D models be used commercially? Who owns the copyright? How to avoid legal risks? This article will provide you with comprehensive and professional legal guidance.

AI generating 3D models with abstract lines and nodes connecting to a central AI brain, surrounded by glowing data streams, creating a visual of creation and complexity.

AI generating 3D models with abstract lines and nodes connecting to a central AI brain, surrounded by glowing data streams, creating a visual of creation and complexity.

Current Legal Status of AI-Generated Content

Evolution of Global Legal Frameworks

Currently, countries worldwide are still developing legal definitions for AI-generated content. The U.S. Copyright Office clearly stated in 2023 that AI-generated works without human creative contribution will not be protected by copyright. The EU is formulating an AI Act that proposes new frameworks for rights attribution of AI-generated content.

In China, while there are no specific legal provisions for AI-generated content, according to basic principles of the Copyright Law, works must be created by natural persons to enjoy copyright. This means purely AI-generated content may legally fall into the "public domain."

Importance of Platform Terms

In the absence of complete legal frameworks, service terms of various AI platforms become important legal bases. Platforms like Open3D.art typically specify usage rights attribution and restrictions for generated content in user agreements.

Complexity Analysis of Copyright Ownership

Recognition of Creative Subjects

Traditional copyright law recognizes that creative subjects must be natural persons, creating legal gaps for AI-generated content. Currently, there are three main viewpoints:

User Ownership Theory: Believes users utilizing AI tools should enjoy rights to generated content, similar to photographers owning copyright of photos taken with cameras.

Platform Ownership Theory: Believes platform companies developing AI models should own rights to generated content, as AI models are their intellectual property.

Public Domain Theory: Believes AI-generated content should not be protected by copyright and should belong to public domain, available for free use by anyone.

Open3D.art's Copyright Policy

Open3D.art clearly states in its service terms:

  • Users enjoy usage rights to generated 3D models
  • Can be used for commercial projects and personal purposes
  • Platform retains intellectual property rights to its AI technology
  • Users must comply with reasonable use principles

    • This policy is relatively open in the industry, providing users with considerable usage space.

    Legal Considerations for Commercial Use

    Risk Assessment for Commercial Use

    When using AI-generated 3D models for commercial activities, consider the following risks:

    Copyright Dispute Risks:

  • Third parties may claim copyright to similar models
  • AI training data may contain copyrighted content
  • Generated results may be highly similar to existing works

    • Contract Breach Risks:

  • Violating platform terms of use
  • Using beyond authorized scope
  • Failing to fulfill attribution obligations

    • Strategies to Reduce Legal Risks

    Detailed Generation Process Records:

  • Save original prompts and parameter settings
  • Record generation time and platform information
  • Screenshot generation interfaces

    • Conduct Originality Checks:

  • Search for similar existing works
  • Use professional similarity detection tools
  • Consult intellectual property professionals

    • Obtain Clear Authorization:

  • Carefully read platform service terms
  • Obtain written authorization confirmation when necessary
  • Purchase commercial licensing services

    • Legal Requirements for Different Industries

    Gaming and Entertainment Industry

    The gaming industry has high originality requirements, requiring special attention when using AI-generated assets:

    Character Design: Avoid generating models similar to well-known game characters

    Scene Elements: Ensure architectural and environmental designs don't infringe others' rights

    Prop Design: Pay special attention to weapons, vehicles and other items that may have real prototypes

    Best Practices:

  • Establish internal review processes
  • Purchase professional legal insurance
  • Sign detailed authorization agreements with platforms

    • Architecture and Engineering Fields

    Architectural design involves practicality and functionality, making legal considerations more complex:

    Design Originality: Copyright protection for architectural design is relatively complex, functional elements are usually not protected

    Engineering Standards: Ensure generated models comply with relevant technical standards and specifications

    Client Rights: Clearly inform clients about AI-assisted design usage

    Manufacturing and 3D Printing

    Manufacturing industry faces unique legal challenges when using AI-generated models:

    Product Liability: Responsibility attribution when products using AI-generated designs have problems

    Patent Risks: Generated product designs may inadvertently infringe existing patents

    Quality Standards: Ensure AI-generated designs meet industry quality standards

    International Legal Differences and Responses

    Differences in Major Jurisdictions

    United States:

  • Emphasizes human creative contribution
  • AI-generated content may not be copyright protected
  • Commercial use relatively lenient

    • European Union:

  • Formulating unified AI legal framework
  • Focuses on data protection and algorithm transparency
  • Commercial use requires more compliance considerations

    • China:

  • Copyright law requires natural person creation
  • Attitude toward AI-generated content gradually clarifying
  • Commercial use requires careful evaluation

    • Compliance Strategies for Cross-Border Business

    Choose Strictest Standards: Execute according to the strictest standards among all jurisdictions involved in business

    Localized Compliance: Adopt corresponding compliance measures in different regions

    Professional Legal Consultation: Hire professional lawyers familiar with local laws

    Contract Terms and Authorization Management

    Key Terms in Platform Service Agreements

    When using AI 3D generation platforms, focus on the following terms:

    Usage Rights Scope:

  • Whether commercial use is allowed
  • Usage period and territorial restrictions
  • User quantity limitations

    • Attribution Requirements:

  • Whether AI generation needs to be marked
  • Platform brand display requirements
  • Copyright notice formats

    • Liability Limitations:

  • Platform disclaimers for infringement
  • User compensation responsibilities
  • Dispute resolution mechanisms

    • Internal Enterprise Authorization Management

    Establish Usage Policies:

  • Specify which employees can use AI tools
  • Define usage scenarios and restrictions
  • Establish approval processes

    • Training and Education:

  • Provide legal risk education for employees
  • Regularly update legal knowledge
  • Establish reporting and consultation mechanisms

    • Infringement Risk Prevention and Response

    Proactive Prevention Measures

    Originality Verification:

  • Use professional similarity detection tools
  • Establish internal review processes
  • Regularly update risk databases

    • Legal Insurance:

  • Purchase intellectual property liability insurance
  • Ensure insurance covers AI-generated content
  • Regularly evaluate insurance coverage

    • Responding to Infringement Allegations

    When Receiving Infringement Notice:

    1. Immediately stop using disputed content

    2. Preserve all relevant evidence

    3. Contact legal professionals

    4. Evaluate possibilities for rebuttal

    Evidence Preparation:

  • Complete records of generation process
  • Relevant documentation of platform authorization
  • Communication records with complainants
  • Professional legal opinions

    • Future Legal Development Trends

    Legislative Trend Predictions

    Specialized Legislation: Countries may introduce specific laws and regulations for AI-generated content

    International Coordination: Unify AI copyright standards through international treaties

    Industry Self-Regulation: Industry organizations develop more detailed self-regulatory norms

    Legal Impact of Technological Development

    Enhanced Traceability: Improved transparency in AI generation processes will help copyright determination

    Personalized Generation: Higher personalization may enhance copyright protection possibilities

    Multi-Modal Integration: Technological integration will bring more complex legal issues

    Practical Recommendations and Action Guidelines

    Recommendations for Individual Creators

    Basic Protection:

  • Record creation process in detail
  • Choose reputable platforms
  • Understand and comply with platform terms

    • Commercialization Preparation:

  • Consult professional legal opinions
  • Purchase necessary legal insurance
  • Establish standardized authorization processes

    • Recommendations for Enterprise Users

    System Building:

  • Formulate internal AI usage policies
  • Establish legal risk assessment mechanisms
  • Conduct regular compliance reviews

    • Cooperation Strategies:

  • Establish formal cooperative relationships with platforms
  • Obtain clear commercial authorization
  • Participate in industry standard development

    • Platform Selection Recommendations

    When choosing AI 3D generation platforms, consider the following legal factors:

    Transparency: Whether platforms publicly disclose copyright policies and data sources

    Authorization Scope: Whether commercial use permissions are clear

    Responsibility Sharing: Whether platforms provide legal support and protection

    Compliance Record: Whether platforms have good compliance history

    Summary and Outlook

    While legal issues surrounding AI-generat...