We’re used to AI-related lawsuits. And we’re used to those lawsuits being about copyright. And the first story today ticks those boxes, but not in the way you might expect. OpenAI is on the receiving end, as it often is. But the litigant is the distributor of digital resources to libraries, OverDrive, familiar to many of us as the platform through which indies are able to get our works into the library system.
ALLi News Editor Dan Holloway
A Fight Over the Name ‘Sora'
At issue is a name, Sora. This is, as most of you who have followed the news to any degree of late will recognize, the text-to-video generative AI developed by OpenAI that recently became the most swiftly downloaded app in history.
It has a cutesy cloud icon vaguely reminiscent of manga style, with stars in the eyes, befitting the Japanese origin of the word sora meaning sky.
Those of you who have made efforts to get your books into the school and college library system will also recognize Sora, the student reading app run by OverDrive that has a cutesy comic-style sky-based icon.
One of these is, of course, very much older than the other. And OverDrive’s case demands that OpenAI rename its platform and remove all references to the name and the logo.
Pricing Changes and New Audiobook Awards
Also in the news this week, it seems as though Spotify is planning to raise its prices in the US. This will go down well with many in the creative industries, but it remains to be seen how much of the additional revenue will find its way into creators’ hands.
While on the subject of audiobooks, I will mention that this week saw the first Speakies awards. This is the UK’s answer to the Audies, and there was plenty of glitz at the inaugural gala, with several gongs going to stars associated with Dr Who. But none, sadly, to indies, so mention is all I will do! Fingers crossed for next year!
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