July Copyright Reads
We are already in the middle of July, and what a scorcher it has been so far. In Romania we call the month of July cuptor, meaning oven, as it is often the hottest month of the year. Romanians would enjoy an outing to the seaside during the hot month.
Aurora – Plaja by Florin Șuler (photographer) – National Heritage Institute, Bucharest, Romania – CC BY-SA.
Things are also heating up in the world of copyright and AI. Industry heavyweights Universal and Disney have taken legal action against Midjourney, accusing the AI image generator of copyright infringement—a case that could set important precedents for creative technologies.
We’re also diving into the growing issue of counterfeit food and beverages, and the serious risks they pose to consumers and brands alike.
One of the most fascinating developments this month comes from Denmark, where the government is proposing a bold move: granting individuals copyright over their facial features to help combat the rise of deepfakes. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the U.S. Copyright Office continues to operate without a permanent leader, raising questions about oversight in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
And because we like to keep things fresh, we’re spotlighting a few stories outside the copyright sphere. Mattel has introduced the first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes—an important step for representation. Plus, we take a look at a new AI model designed specifically for the public good, showing how technology can be a force for positive change.
Disney Files Landmark Case Against AI Image Generator [Video]
New KR21 Study – “Barriers and Enablers for Open Science in Copyright Law”
Relive Europeana 2025 – access the recordings now!
The “What’s on your table?” campaign tackles counterfeit food and beverages
Intellectual Property crime prioritised under the new EMPACT cycle 2026-2029
Denmark to tackle deepfakes by giving people copyright to their own features
Meta wins AI copyright case in blow to authors
The copyright war between the AI industry and creatives
Why university libraries should not overlook research staff
Can academics use AI to write journal papers? What the guidelines say
Beijing court hands AI copyright violators up to 18 months in prison
Copyright 101: An introductory guide to copyright
Facebook is asking to use Meta AI on photos in your camera roll you haven’t yet shared
No One Is in Charge at the US Copyright Office
Rubik’s cube design can’t be trademarked, says EU court
Big Studios’ Copyright Suit Over AI Is About Money, Power, Not Art
How AI is breaking traditional remuneration models
Recommended Licenses and Tools for Cultural Heritage Content
Meet the first Barbie with type 1 diabetes
The General-Purpose AI Code of Practice
Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart confirms territoriality of Italian Cultural Heritage Code
Popular rock band says Homeland Security used its song without permission: ‘Go f… yourselves’
Nintendo and Universal are planning a Donkey Kong movie
Ilaiyaraaja vs Sony Music copyright dispute: SC to hear plea on July 18
Donkey Kong | Copyright filing hints at Universal movie plans
A language model built for the public good
An AI-generated band got 1m plays on Spotify. Now music insiders say listeners should be warned
Summer Landscape by Edvard Bergh – 1873 – Nationalmuseum Sweden, Sweden – Public Domain.
As technology continues to evolve at lightning speed, the intersection of innovation, law, and social impact becomes more complex—and more fascinating. From legal battles over AI-generated content to groundbreaking moves in digital identity protection, this month’s stories remind us that the future is being shaped not just by algorithms, but by the choices we make around them. Whether it’s a Barbie breaking new ground in representation or an AI model built for the public good, these developments show that progress is about more than just tech—it’s about people. Stay tuned, because next month promises even more to explore.
And while the Summer still is summery, why not enjoy a nice stroll in nature.
Summer Stroll ; Summer Promenade by Guérin, Charles-François-Prosper – Finnish National Gallery, Finland – CC0.
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The legal clash between Disney and Midjourney could reshape how we view authorship in AI-generated content. It feels like a defining moment for copyright law as it tries to keep pace with creative technologies that challenge traditional frameworks.