Link: Sexy AI-generated Evangelion, Yu-Gi-Oh art sales lead to copyright infringement charges in Japan

The use of AI in creating anime art is highly controversial, particularly when it comes to its impact on traditional artists and market dynamics. Proponents argue it democratizes production, enabling smaller creators to realize projects that might otherwise be out of reach.

Recently, two men in Japan were arrested for selling illegal AI-generated posters of iconic anime characters, raising legal and ethical issues. The posters featured characters from popular series such as Evangelion and Yu-Gi-Oh.

The individuals involved, a 36-year-old from Yokohama and a 40-year-old from Hikone, potentially coordinated their efforts despite being apprehended separately. They were discovered by police on a cyber patrol who traced the artwork back to an online auction site.

Both men have confessed to copyright infringement, with the Yokohama resident earning approximately 10 million yen ($63,700) and the Hikone resident 5.7 million yen from their online sales. This has stirred discussions in Japan's fan artist community, although their actions starkly contrast with small-scale, in-person fan art sales.

Law enforcement and public opinion are generally lenient toward amateur artists who sell hand-drawn works at local events, viewing it as a way to foster creativity and fan engagement. However, making substantial profits without physically creating the artwork crosses a legal boundary, drawing widespread condemnation.

The case highlights the complex intersection of technology, copyright law, and cultural production in digital contexts, signaling potential further scrutiny and regulation. Such incidents exemplify the challenges of adapting traditional copyright enforcement to a rapidly evolving technological landscape. #

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