‘This is fine’ creator says AI startup stole his art: TechCrunch AI
In a fresh flashpoint concerning artificial intelligence and intellectual property, KC Green, the artist behind the ubiquitous “This is fine” meme, has publicly accused AI startup Artisan of stealing his iconic artwork
In a fresh flashpoint concerning artificial intelligence and intellectual property, KC Green, the artist behind the ubiquitous “This is fine” meme, has publicly accused AI startup Artisan of stealing his iconic artwork for a recent advertising campaign. The accusation surfaced on Sunday, reigniting debates over copyright, meme ownership, and the commercial exploitation of creative works by AI-focused companies.
Green's recognizable anthropomorphic dog, sitting amidst flames and calmly declaring “This is fine,” appeared in a subway advertisement for Artisan. However, the meme's text was altered to read, “My pipeline is on fire,” accompanied by a call to “Hire Ava the AI BDR.” This unauthorized adaptation prompted Green to express his outrage on Bluesky, stating he had not consented to the use and branding it as “stolen like AI steals,” even urging followers to “please vandalize it if and when you see it.”
Artisan Responds to Allegations
When confronted by TechCrunch regarding the alleged infringement, Artisan acknowledged Green's work. The company issued a statement saying, “We have a lot of respect for KC Green and his work, and we’re reaching out to him directly.” A subsequent communication from Artisan confirmed that a meeting with Green had been scheduled, indicating a move towards resolution or discussion following the public outcry.
A History of Controversial Marketing
This isn't the first time Artisan has drawn criticism for its provocative marketing strategies. The AI startup previously generated significant buzz and backlash with billboards that boldly proclaimed, “Stop hiring humans” and “For Work They Hate.” Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, Artisan’s founder and CEO, defended these campaigns by clarifying that the message targeted “a category of work” rather than making a sweeping dismissal of “humans at large.” The incident with Green's meme, however, shifts the controversy from controversial messaging to potential intellectual property theft.
The 'This is Fine' Meme and its Creator
The “This is fine” comic first debuted in Green’s webcomic “Gunshow” in 2013 and has since evolved into one of the internet’s most enduring memes. While Green has embraced the meme's popularity to some extent, even turning it into a game, he admits that it has largely “escaped from his control.” This widespread dissemination, however, does not negate an artist's right to control commercial usage of their original creations.
Green's situation mirrors similar struggles faced by other artists whose creations have achieved meme status. Cartoonist Matt Furie, for instance, previously took legal action against Infowars for unauthorized use of his character Pepe the Frog, eventually reaching a settlement. Such cases highlight the challenges artists encounter in protecting their work once it enters the public lexicon of internet culture.
Seeking Legal Recourse
For Green, the current situation is deeply frustrating. He informed TechCrunch that he is “looking into [legal] representation, as I feel I have to.” He lamented the necessity of diverting his energy from his passion—drawing comics and stories—to navigate the legal system. Green underscored his belief that “These no-thought A.I. losers aren’t untouchable and memes just don’t come out of thin air,” signalling his resolve to protect his artistic rights against perceived appropriation by AI entities.
The ongoing dialogue between Green and Artisan, coupled with the artist's intent to pursue legal avenues, will likely set a precedent for future cases involving AI startups and the unauthorized commercial use of popular internet culture and copyrighted art. This episode adds another layer to the complex ethical and legal landscape emerging at the intersection of AI, creativity, and intellectual property.
FAQ
Q: Who is KC Green?
A: KC Green is the artist and creator of the widely recognized “This is fine” webcomic, which has become a highly popular internet meme.
Q: What is Artisan AI accused of?
A: Artisan AI is accused by KC Green of using his “This is fine” artwork in a commercial subway advertisement without his permission or compensation, altering the original text for their marketing message.
Q: What are the potential implications of this accusation?
A: This situation could lead to legal action by KC Green against Artisan AI, further fueling the ongoing debate about intellectual property rights, fair use, and compensation for artists when their work is utilized by AI companies for commercial gain.
Related articles
PlayStation Showcase Chat Swamped by Demands for Destiny 3
PlayStation's recent State of Play showcase was largely overshadowed by an impassioned fan campaign in the Twitch chat, demanding 'Destiny 3'. Amidst reveals for new PS5 games, the chat was relentlessly spammed with #WeWantDestiny3, fueled by the unexpected sunsetting of Destiny 2 and the reported absence of a direct sequel. This digital protest reflects widespread community frustration, amplified by a popular streamer and a petition with over 330,000 signatures.
Microsoft Unveils ASSERT, Simplifying AI Behavior Testing with Text
Microsoft has launched ASSERT, an open-source framework designed to simplify AI behavior testing. It enables developers to create comprehensive, application-specific evaluations using natural language descriptions, ensuring AI systems act as intended for particular products and services. The tool translates high-level goals into structured tests, generates scenarios, scores results, and logs execution paths.
Trump Orders Voluntary AI Model Review Before Release
President Trump has signed an executive order creating a voluntary framework for AI companies to share advanced models with the federal government before release. This initiative aims to bolster secure innovation and protect critical infrastructure, reflecting a shift from the administration's previous hands-off approach to AI safety. Companies opting for pre-release review may receive confidentiality protections.
Quick Share Meets AirDrop: A Welcome Cross-Platform Step
Quick Verdict: A Much-Anticipated Bridge For years, seamless file sharing between Android and iOS devices has been a frustrating chasm, often requiring clunky workarounds or third-party apps. This month, Google is
Blue Origin's New Glenn Explosion: Key Components Survive, 2026
Blue Origin announced that critical fuel tanks and key launch pad components survived last week's New Glenn rocket explosion, paving a faster path back to flight. CEO Dave Limp pledges a return to orbital missions before year-end, which is crucial for NASA's Artemis lunar program to maintain its tight schedule for crewed landings.
ZeroDrift raises $10M to protect AI models from themselves: AI
ZeroDrift, an AI compliance startup, has secured $10 million in seed funding from investors like a16z Speedrun. The company's service acts as a crucial intermediary, detecting compliance violations in AI-generated messages and rewriting them to meet regulatory standards like SOC 2 and GDPR. This rapid, oversubscribed funding round highlights the urgent demand for robust AI governance solutions as businesses scale AI adoption.