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OpenAI Wins Appeal in Controversial Copyright Infringement Case

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein ruled that OpenAI's denial of willful copyright infringement does not constitute a good faith defense.
The ruling allows exploration of communications about deleting datasets containing pirated books.
OpenAI successfully appealed the ruling.
The appeal prevents damages exposure and safeguards attorney-client privilege in copyright cases.
The controversy stems from OpenAI's use of datasets known as "books 1" and "books 2" sourced from a shadow library.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein ruled that OpenAI's denial of willful copyright infringement does not constitute a good faith defense.
The ruling allows exploration of communications about deleting datasets containing pirated books.
OpenAI successfully appealed the ruling.
The appeal prevents damages exposure and safeguards attorney-client privilege in copyright cases.
The controversy stems from OpenAI's use of datasets known as "books 1" and "books 2" sourced from a shadow library.