In the past month, it’s nearly impossible to have missed someone sharing a Ghibli-inspired image of themselves, as the latest trend driven by ChatGPT has taken the internet by storm. However, beyond this seemingly harmless trend, a meaningful discourse has emerged regarding the ethics of AI in relation to art and Intellectual Property Indonesia—especially copyright.
Background
ChatGPT is an advanced AI platform developed by OpenAI. One of the most popular of its kind, ChatGPT can generate human-like text, answer complex questions, and assist with various tasks. While primarily text-based, ChatGPT now includes image generation features, mimicking popular artistic styles like that of Studio Ghibli—prompting the rise of what has been dubbed the “Ghiblification” trend.
Studio Ghibli is a legendary Japanese animation studio known for producing some of the most iconic animated films in history. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli is celebrated for its distinctive and heartwarming visual style—now replicated widely via AI.
The recent trend gained immense traction, even causing server overloads. Celebrities and official institutions alike joined in, including the French Embassy in India, which shared a Ghibli-style image of French President Emmanuel Macron with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Criticism
Despite its popularity, the trend has faced significant criticism—especially from creative professionals and those involved in Indonesia copyright law firm practices.
Critics argue that this undermines the livelihood of traditional artists. AI platforms capable of producing high-quality images within seconds present a threat to the value of manual creativity. The controversy is heightened when the style being emulated belongs to a renowned institution like Studio Ghibli, which has spent decades perfecting its distinctive techniques.
An old clip of Hayao Miyazaki resurfaced recently, reigniting the debate. In it, Miyazaki reacts strongly to AI-generated imagery, calling it “an insult to life itself.” This reaction underscores the sentiment among many creators regarding the mechanical nature of AI-generated content.
Perspective of IP Law
Beyond the ethical conversation, this issue raises significant questions in the realm of Intellectual Property Indonesia, particularly copyright.
So, do AI-generated Ghibli-style images violate copyright law? Can a style even be copyrighted?
Under international standards such as the Berne Convention, and consistent with Indonesia IP Consultant interpretations, artistic styles themselves are not protected by copyright—only specific expressions are. Therefore, imitating the general look or feel of Studio Ghibli’s art does not, by itself, constitute Copyright Infringement Indonesia.
However, the legal nuances grow deeper. If an AI-generated image closely resembles a specific, protected element—such as a character like Totoro or the exact composition of a scene—it may qualify as an unlawful adaptation. This could violate exclusive reproduction rights protected under copyright law, especially when used for commercial purposes.
Another legal consideration is trademark law, a field handled by experts at IP law firm Indonesia. Even if the image doesn’t directly infringe upon copyright, passing off AI-generated images as “official” Studio Ghibli content could raise trademark issues, especially under unfair competition laws in jurisdictions like Indonesia.
Conclusion
AI is a groundbreaking and fast-evolving technology that reshapes how we interact with the world—including in the realm of creativity and Indonesia trademark registration. While the “Ghiblification” trend may seem playful and creative, it has opened a wider conversation about ownership, authenticity, and the future of human artistry.
As AI continues to challenge conventional IP frameworks, legal professionals and lawmakers—especially those in Patent Law Firm Indonesia and Indonesia copyright law firm sectors—must stay agile. The future may bring updates in regulation, particularly around how Indonesia trademark litigation and copyright are applied to AI-generated content.
Whether you’re an artist, content creator, or business looking to protect your IP assets, it’s crucial to understand your rights and risks. This includes conducting an Indonesia patent search, exploring Indonesia trademark registration, or defending your brand through Indonesia trademark litigation or Copyright Infringement Indonesia claims.
For inquiries, guidance, or legal assistance from a trusted Litigation lawyer in Jakarta Indonesia, don’t hesitate to contact us at Am Badar & Am Badar, a leading Patent Law Firm Indonesia and IP law firm Indonesia. Email us at ambadar@ambadar.co.id—our dedicated team of professionals is ready to support your intellectual property needs.
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