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‘This is fine’ artist KC Green reaches agreement with AI startup Artisan
Artist KC Green and AI startup Artisan have reached an agreement after a dispute regarding the misuse of Green's 'This is fine' meme in Artisan's ads. The ads featured a modified version of Green's work without permission. Following criticism from Green, Artisan removed the ads, and both parties settled the matter amicably.
Key points
- KC Green criticized Artisan for using his artwork without permission in ads promoting their AI assistant, Ava.
- The ads altered his famous meme, featuring a dog, to promote hiring their AI, instead of the original phrase 'This is fine.'
- Green expressed frustration about having to consider legal action rather than focusing on his comic art.
- Artisan stated they respect Green's work and reached out to him, leading to a swift resolution.
- The agreement included Artisan removing the ads from public spaces and Green retracting his social media criticism.
Why it matters
- This incident highlights ongoing concerns about copyright and the use of artist work by AI technologies.
- Issues surrounding intellectual property rights are becoming increasingly relevant with the rise of AI applications in creative sectors.
- The case reflects a broader societal debate about how AI impacts artists and creators, paralleling trends in 2025 towards stricter regulations and protections for creative content.
The resolution between KC Green and Artisan serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of respecting artists' intellectual property, particularly in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technologies.