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OpenAI Faces Legal Setback Over Pirated Book Deletions

11/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

OpenAI (the company) has lost a significant legal battle over deleting two pirated-book datasets.
The court ordered OpenAI to disclose internal communications about the deletions, signaling potential willful infringement and higher damages.
OpenAI claimed the deletions occurred due to non-use, then retracted that statement, complicating its defense.
The court found most communications are not privileged, and OpenAI's inconsistent claims may hinder its defense as it seeks to pause discovery obligations.

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Story summary

OpenAI (the company) has lost a significant legal battle over deleting two pirated-book datasets.
The court ordered OpenAI to disclose internal communications about the deletions, signaling potential willful infringement and higher damages.
OpenAI claimed the deletions occurred due to non-use, then retracted that statement, complicating its defense.
The court found most communications are not privileged, and OpenAI's inconsistent claims may hinder its defense as it seeks to pause discovery obligations.