AI content and copyright

AI image and video generation creates content using powerful models trained on pre-existing data. Copyright laws around AI-generated content are still evolving globally, and regulations vary by country. This article explains how copyright applies to content you generate with Freepik AI tools and what your responsibilities are.

In this article

• Ownership of AI-generated content
• Commercial use
• Editing and modifying AI content
• Your responsibilities
• AI content vs stock content
• Legal protection and indemnification

Ownership of AI-generated content

AI-generated images and videos created with Freepik tools can be used for personal and professional purposes. However, since the output is generated by AI, copyright status is subject to ongoing legal developments worldwide. Freepik cannot guarantee copyright ownership of AI-generated output in all jurisdictions.

The Terms and Conditions for AI Products state that you are responsible for ensuring that your AI-generated output does not infringe on third-party rights.

Commercial use

Yes, you can use AI-generated images and videos commercially. AI-generated content can serve as a central element in your creative projects — there is no main vs secondary element restriction for AI-generated content like there is for stock resources.

Paid plans include a commercial license for AI-generated content. Free plans are limited to personal use with attribution.

Editing and modifying AI content

You can freely modify and edit AI-generated images. This includes cropping, filtering, color adjustments, combining with other images, restyling, upscaling, and any other editing you need. There are no restrictions on how you modify AI-generated output.

Your responsibilities

When using AI-generated content, you are responsible for:

• Ensuring the output does not infringe on third-party intellectual property rights.
• Ensuring the content does not include recognizable likenesses of real people without consent.
• Ensuring the content does not include copyrighted characters, artworks, or brand elements.
• Complying with the AI Generation Guidelines, which define what content can and cannot be generated.
• Verifying the legality of using AI-generated content in your specific jurisdiction and use case.

AI content vs stock content

AI-generated content and stock content follow different rules:

Legal protection and indemnification

AI-generated content is excluded from Freepik's standard legal protection for stock content. If a third party claims that your AI-generated output infringes on their rights, the standard indemnification does not apply.

Enterprise customers may have enhanced legal protection, including indemnification for AI-generated content, under their Master Services Agreement. Check your Enterprise contract or contact your account manager for details.

Common questions

Can I use AI-generated images commercially?

Yes. Paid plans include a commercial license for AI-generated content. Free plans are limited to personal use.

Who owns AI-generated content?

Copyright status of AI-generated content is still evolving globally. You can use the content under Freepik's license terms, but full copyright ownership may not be guaranteed in all jurisdictions.

Can I edit AI-generated images?

Yes. You can modify AI-generated content in any way — crop, filter, combine, restyle, upscale, and more.

Are AI-generated images covered by legal protection?

No. AI-generated content is excluded from Freepik's standard legal protection for stock content. Enterprise customers may have specific protections under their MSA.

Do the same rules apply as for stock images?

No. AI-generated content has different rules — notably, there is no main vs secondary element restriction, and it is excluded from the Merchandise License and standard legal protection. See the comparison table above.