AI copyright regulation and litigation expand globally

Global regulatory and legal pressures regarding artificial intelligence and copyright are intensifying. China’s National Copyright Administration has released its 15th Five-Year Plan for Copyright Work (2026-2030), which outlines intentions to research and draft new rules specifically for generative AI. The plan aims to refine copyright frameworks for technologies including blockchain and big data, while promoting the establishment of a fair use system for AI training data.

In the United States, copyright lawsuits against AI companies have seen a significant surge, rising from 45 cases in June 2025 to 140 by September 1, 2026. This includes a consolidated docket involving OpenAI in the Southern District of New York. Additionally, a $1.5 billion settlement in the Bartz v. Anthropic case has received final approval, with per-work payments expected by November 2026. Meanwhile, in the European Union, new fines related to these issues became enforceable in August 2026.