According to PANews, OpenAI's newly launched image generation tool, GPT-4o, can produce images in the "Studio Ghibli style," while the free version of ChatGPT, equipped with DALL-E 3, declines similar requests due to copyright policies. When a journalist attempted to generate Studio Ghibli-style images using the free ChatGPT, the response indicated that such images could not be created because the animation studio is protected by copyright.
However, the paid version of ChatGPT, utilizing the GPT-4o tool, successfully generates these images. An OpenAI spokesperson explained that the new system restricts image generation in the styles of "living artists" but permits the creation of images in "broader studio styles." Despite Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki being alive, this situation appears to fall under the "studio style" category, allowing GPT-4o to generate Ghibli-style images without restriction.
It remains unclear whether OpenAI has adjusted its copyright policy or reached a content agreement with Studio Ghibli. Neither OpenAI nor Studio Ghibli has commented on the matter. This incident has raised questions about OpenAI's copyright policy and its perceived double standards, while also potentially encouraging more users to upgrade to the paid version of ChatGPT.