Universal Pictures Adds “No AI Training” Warning to Movie Credits Amid Copyright Concerns

Universal Pictures has begun adding a new message to the end credits of its films: a clear warning that the movie “may not be used to train AI.” The move, reported by The Hollywood Reporter, is part of a broader effort by major entertainment studios to protect their intellectual property from being used without consent in the training of artificial intelligence models. The message first appeared after the release of the live-action film How to Train Your Dragon in June, and has since been included in the closing credits of Jurassic World Rebirth and Bad Guys 2. Accompanying the notice is a standard copyright disclaimer stating that the film is protected under U.S. and international laws, with warnings against unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition—potentially leading to civil and criminal penalties. In international releases, Universal has also referenced a 2019 European Union copyright regulation that allows creators and rights holders to opt out of having their content used in scientific research, including AI training. This inclusion strengthens the legal standing of studios seeking to assert control over how their work is used. The warning is not just symbolic—it’s a strategic response to growing concerns about AI companies training models on copyrighted material without permission. The issue gained widespread attention earlier this year when OpenAI launched an image-generation tool that could replicate the distinctive artistic style of Studio Ghibli, leading to a flood of AI-generated images mimicking Hayao Miyazaki’s work. The incident sparked debate over whether AI firms can legally scrape and use creative content from artists and studios to train their models, especially when that content is then used to produce commercially viable outputs. The situation is not isolated. Reports have revealed that Meta reportedly downloaded terabytes of books from LibGen, a site known for hosting pirated content, to fuel its AI training efforts. Meanwhile, major publishers like the New York Times have filed lawsuits against OpenAI and others, arguing that their content was used without authorization. While a “Do Not Train” notice may not stop AI companies from accessing and using film data—especially if the content is already publicly available—it does establish a clear record of intent. This could be critical in future legal battles, giving studios a stronger basis for claiming damages or seeking injunctions if their work is used improperly. Ultimately, the warning is a step toward asserting control in a rapidly evolving landscape. It signals that studios are no longer passive observers in the AI revolution but active participants in defending their creative assets. And while a simple message might not stop the machines, it does send a powerful message: your work is not free game.