Commercial Use of AI Art: Rights, Licenses, and Best Practices

Understanding AI Art Ownership

One of the most common questions we receive is: "Can I use AI-generated images commercially?" The short answer for Open Journey users is: Yes, absolutely.

But let's dive deeper into the legal landscape and best practices.

Open Journey's Clear Licensing

When you create an image with Open Journey, you receive:

• Full commercial rights to use the image


• No attribution required (though appreciated)


• Unlimited usage across any medium


• Transferable rights to clients or employers


• Modification rights to edit and derivative works

This applies to all plans, including the free tier.

How This Differs from Other Platforms

Midjourney

• Free tier: Personal use only


• Paid tiers: Commercial use allowed


• Companies over $1M revenue need Pro plan

DALL-E

• Commercial use allowed


• Must follow content policy


• OpenAI retains some rights

Open Journey

• All tiers: Full commercial rights


• No revenue restrictions


• You own everything you create

What "Commercial Use" Means

Commercial use includes:

• Selling products with the image (prints, merchandise)


• Marketing materials (ads, social media, websites)


• Client work (design projects, branding)


• Books and publications (covers, illustrations)


• Video content (thumbnails, backgrounds)


• Digital products (templates, assets for sale)

Best Practices for Commercial Use

1. Keep Records

Document your prompts and generation dates. This establishes your creation timeline if questions ever arise.

2. Modify When Possible

Adding your own creative touch—editing, combining, enhancing—strengthens your creative claim to the work.

3. Check Platform Terms

If you're using images on specific platforms (stock sites, print-on-demand), verify their AI art policies.

4. Be Transparent When Appropriate

Some contexts (fine art sales, editorial) may benefit from disclosing AI assistance.

5. Avoid Infringing Prompts

Don't use prompts designed to replicate copyrighted characters, logos, or specific artists' works for commercial purposes.

What You Should Avoid

Even with full commercial rights, some uses are restricted:

• Impersonation: Creating fake photos of real people


• Deception: Passing AI art as traditional art in contexts where it matters


• Trademark infringement: Generating logos that copy existing brands


• Harmful content: Anything violating our content policy

Industry-Specific Considerations

Graphic Design

AI art is increasingly accepted for concept work, backgrounds, and creative elements. Major agencies use it regularly.

Publishing

Book covers and interior illustrations using AI are common. Some publishers have specific policies—check before submitting.

Marketing

AI-generated marketing imagery is widely used. Ensure images don't inadvertently feature recognizable faces or trademarked items.

Merchandise

Print-on-demand and merchandise using AI art is fully permitted under Open Journey's license.

Stock Photography

Some stock platforms accept AI art, others don't. Check individual platform policies before submitting.

Copyright Considerations

The legal status of AI-generated art copyright is still evolving. Current considerations:

• US Copyright Office: Has stated purely AI-generated work may not be copyrightable


• Practical Reality: Enforcement and registration are complex


• Best Practice: Add human creative elements when copyright protection is important

Client Work Guidelines

When creating AI art for clients:

• Disclose your process if asked or if relevant


• Provide full usage rights as part of your deliverables


• Keep prompts confidential as part of your creative process


• Document everything for your records

Future Legal Landscape

AI art law is evolving rapidly. Stay informed about:

• New copyright guidance


• Platform policy changes


• Industry standard practices


• International regulations

Open Journey's Commitment

We designed our licensing to be:

• Simple: No complex restrictions to remember


• Permissive: Use your creations however you want


• Clear: No ambiguity about your rights


• Consistent: Same terms for all users

Summary

With Open Journey, you have full commercial rights to everything you create. Use your AI-generated images for any legitimate business purpose without worrying about licensing restrictions. Just follow basic ethical guidelines and platform-specific policies, and you're set.

Create confidently. Build your business. Your art is yours.