‘This is fine’ creator says AI startup stole his art: TechCrunch AI

In a fresh flashpoint concerning artificial intelligence and intellectual property, KC Green, the artist behind the ubiquitous “This is fine” meme, has publicly accused AI startup Artisan of stealing his iconic artwork for a recent advertising campaign. The accusation surfaced on Sunday, reigniting debates over copyright, meme ownership, and the commercial exploitation of creative works by AI-focused companies.

Green's recognizable anthropomorphic dog, sitting amidst flames and calmly declaring “This is fine,” appeared in a subway advertisement for Artisan. However, the meme's text was altered to read, “My pipeline is on fire,” accompanied by a call to “Hire Ava the AI BDR.” This unauthorized adaptation prompted Green to express his outrage on Bluesky, stating he had not consented to the use and branding it as “stolen like AI steals,” even urging followers to “please vandalize it if and when you see it.”

Artisan Responds to Allegations

When confronted by TechCrunch regarding the alleged infringement, Artisan acknowledged Green's work. The company issued a statement saying, “We have a lot of respect for KC Green and his work, and we’re reaching out to him directly.” A subsequent communication from Artisan confirmed that a meeting with Green had been scheduled, indicating a move towards resolution or discussion following the public outcry.

A History of Controversial Marketing

This isn't the first time Artisan has drawn criticism for its provocative marketing strategies. The AI startup previously generated significant buzz and backlash with billboards that boldly proclaimed, “Stop hiring humans” and “For Work They Hate.” Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, Artisan’s founder and CEO, defended these campaigns by clarifying that the message targeted “a category of work” rather than making a sweeping dismissal of “humans at large.” The incident with Green's meme, however, shifts the controversy from controversial messaging to potential intellectual property theft.

The 'This is Fine' Meme and its Creator

The “This is fine” comic first debuted in Green’s webcomic “Gunshow” in 2013 and has since evolved into one of the internet’s most enduring memes. While Green has embraced the meme's popularity to some extent, even turning it into a game, he admits that it has largely “escaped from his control.” This widespread dissemination, however, does not negate an artist's right to control commercial usage of their original creations.

Green's situation mirrors similar struggles faced by other artists whose creations have achieved meme status. Cartoonist Matt Furie, for instance, previously took legal action against Infowars for unauthorized use of his character Pepe the Frog, eventually reaching a settlement. Such cases highlight the challenges artists encounter in protecting their work once it enters the public lexicon of internet culture.

Seeking Legal Recourse

For Green, the current situation is deeply frustrating. He informed TechCrunch that he is “looking into [legal] representation, as I feel I have to.” He lamented the necessity of diverting his energy from his passion—drawing comics and stories—to navigate the legal system. Green underscored his belief that “These no-thought A.I. losers aren’t untouchable and memes just don’t come out of thin air,” signalling his resolve to protect his artistic rights against perceived appropriation by AI entities.

The ongoing dialogue between Green and Artisan, coupled with the artist's intent to pursue legal avenues, will likely set a precedent for future cases involving AI startups and the unauthorized commercial use of popular internet culture and copyrighted art. This episode adds another layer to the complex ethical and legal landscape emerging at the intersection of AI, creativity, and intellectual property.

FAQ

Q: Who is KC Green?

A: KC Green is the artist and creator of the widely recognized “This is fine” webcomic, which has become a highly popular internet meme.

Q: What is Artisan AI accused of?

A: Artisan AI is accused by KC Green of using his “This is fine” artwork in a commercial subway advertisement without his permission or compensation, altering the original text for their marketing message.

Q: What are the potential implications of this accusation?

A: This situation could lead to legal action by KC Green against Artisan AI, further fueling the ongoing debate about intellectual property rights, fair use, and compensation for artists when their work is utilized by AI companies for commercial gain.