Credtent, Inc., a leader in ethical AI and content licensing, has conducted an independent assessment of the value of Studio Ghibli’s intellectual property for enterprise AI platforms. The evaluation places the annual AI training value of Ghibli’s work between $17 million and $20 million, underscoring the significant value of creators’ work in the AI space and advocating for fair compensation and creative consent.
The Importance of Ethical AI and Creative Consent
- Studio Ghibli’s Influence: Studio Ghibli, renowned for iconic films like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away, has long been admired for its artistic excellence. However, the studio has voiced concerns about the use of their work in generative AI, with founder Hayao Miyazaki calling AI art an “assault on life itself.”
- Unauthorized Use of Work: The rise of Ghibli-styled memes online has sparked complaints from fans about the unauthorized use of the studio’s unique art style. This highlights the growing issue of intellectual property being used without consent or fair compensation in AI tools.
Credtent’s Role in Ensuring Fair Compensation
Credtent’s Director of Creator Outreach, Deborah Drake, emphasized the need for collaboration between artists and AI companies, advocating for mutual respect and fair-market pricing. “Artists and technologists think about creative work differently. What is art to creatives is just data to AI companies. As a neutral utility, we enable them both to find common ground with opt-out options and fair-market license pricing,” Drake stated.
- Valuation Process: Using scientific principles set by Dr. Galen Buckwalter, Credtent’s Chief Science Officer, the company assesses content value based on a variety of factors, establishing fair pricing for AI training data. The assessment of Ghibli’s intellectual property highlights the importance of consent when using creative works in generative AI.
Creative Consent and Protecting Artists’ Work
- Restricting Unwanted Use: Credtent’s CEO, Eric R. Burgess, points out that Studio Ghibli could command millions in licensing fees for the use of its work in generative AI tools. However, if the studio chooses to restrict AI companies from using its iconic style, it should have that right to maintain its artistic integrity.
- Tracking and Managing Opt-Out Requests: Credtent facilitates the process of tracking opt-out requests and licensing agreements across the AI industry, offering a centralized platform for creators to manage their preferences for their work to be used in AI training.
Empowering Creators in the Age of AI
- Training Data Marketplace: Starting in Q2 2025, artists will be able to license their work through Credtent’s Training Data Marketplace. This marketplace allows creators to opt out of AI training or to license their work, with 85% of the revenue going directly to the creators.
- Diverse Creators on the Platform: Thousands of creators, including those in fields such as books, music, photography, and art, have already registered their work on the platform, ensuring that their rights are respected while also providing opportunities to earn from their creations.
Commitment to Ethical AI and Transparent Practices
Credtent is dedicated to promoting ethical AI practices. The company offers Ethical Sourcing Badges to AI companies that respect creative rights and undergo regular audits to ensure compliance. These badges help AI platforms confidently use licensed content while protecting themselves from copyright and accuracy-related risks.
In addition, Credtent introduced Creative Origin Badges last year, allowing creators to disclose how AI has been used in their work. This transparency helps audiences make informed decisions about supporting AI-composed, AI-assisted, or human-composed content.
Credtent’s independent valuation of Studio Ghibli’s intellectual property shines a light on the importance of ethical AI practices and fair compensation for creators. As AI technologies continue to evolve, it is crucial that the creative community’s rights are respected, enabling a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between artists and AI companies.
