I’ve been watching artificial intelligence evolve for years, but this moment feels like a turning point. A group of powerhouse media companies in the US has filed a lawsuit against AI giant Cohere Inc., and the outcome could change the way we all use AI.

For small business owners

Whether you run a clinic, salon, consultancy, or fitness studio, this battle over AI and copyright could redefine the tools you rely on to market, manage, and grow your business.

The Allegations: Copyright in the Spotlight

The lawsuit alleges massive copyright infringement, with thousands of copied examples and even full stories reproduced within hours of their release.

On one side are industry titans like Condé Nast, Forbes, and The Guardian. On the other, a $5 billion AI company. This isn’t a small skirmish — it’s a clash of giants that could trigger sweeping changes across industries.

Why This Matters for Small Businesses

At first glance, this might feel like a tech-only issue. But here’s why you should care: it’s about AI and copyright, and that affects every business that uses AI.

Right now, many small businesses already depend on AI for:

  • Creating social media content
  • Automating appointment scheduling
  • Answering client inquiries
  • Streamlining admin tasks

If courts rule that certain content can’t be used to train AI, the tools you use for AI for small businesses could look very different in the near future.

The AI Dilemma: Inspiration vs. Copying

AI needs data to learn. But where’s the line between learning and copying?

In my own work helping small businesses implement AI, we always make sure data is used ethically and legally. That’s because building trust with clients matters just as much as efficiency.

But at the scale big AI companies operate, this gets murky. This lawsuit highlights why ethical AI use must be a priority for every business owner.

Ripple Effects Beyond Media

The impact won’t stop at journalism. If this case sets new rules, expect ripple effects across marketing, finance, and professional services. For business owners, this could mean:

  • AI tools with stricter limits on what content they generate
  • Rising costs if companies need to license training data
  • Shifts in what’s considered fair use

This is where AI regulation comes into play. Clearer laws and boundaries could help protect both innovators and creators, and ensure your business has reliable AI tools to work with.

Practical Steps for Small Businesses

While the courts decide, here’s what you can do now to stay ahead:

  1. Be transparent: Let clients know when AI helps manage bookings, send reminders, or create content.
  2. Protect originality: Use AI as a support tool, but keep your voice and brand unique. This builds trust and protects original content.
  3. Stay updated: Follow news on AI and copyright, because changes here will affect the tools you use.
  4. Choose providers carefully: Work with AI partners who commit to ethical AI use and respect copyright law.

A Turning Point for AI

We’re entering a new era. This lawsuit could end the “anything goes” approach to training AI and bring in stronger rules for how content is used.

For small businesses, this could be a blessing. The future of AI for small businesses lies in tools that are not only powerful but also trustworthy. And those who adopt AI responsibly will stand out in their industries.

At both Clinicly AI and Sparkify AI, we focus on helping service businesses harness AI without compromising on ethics.

Because the real question isn’t just what AI can do…

It’s what it should do.

Final Word

This isn’t the end of AI. It’s the start of a smarter, more responsible chapter.

The way forward is clear: embrace innovation, respect copyright, and put clients first.

Do that, and AI will remain a powerful ally in building a business that lasts.


Tim Lumsden

10 years of digital marketing experience, driving growth for small services-based businesses, particularly in the allied health space. I work with clients all over Australia and the United Kingdom.  In early 2024, after discovering the transformative power of AI, I now have one goal: to empower small service-based businesses with AI.


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