Generative AI has been seen mostly as a good thing in the last year or so. However, its meteoric rise and popularity didn't sit well with some content creators who have decided to take legal action against AI users. In response, Microsoft introduced its Copilot Copyright Commitment in October 2023.

As a specialist in Microsoft licensing and IT solutions, we believe it is important that all commercial Copilot users be aware of this commitment. If you are a commercial user, it's in your organization's best interests to know what the commitment covers. Understanding your legal position will protect you against liability.

Key Features of the Program

Microsoft's Copilot Copyright Commitment is more or less a legal protection program designed to cover commercial customers who use any of the company's paid AI-powered Copilot services. It protects against claims arising from alleged property infringement using AI tools.

Here are the program's key features:

• ‍Legal Defense – Microsoft will help defend commercial Copilot users that are sued for copyright infringement as a result of using the tool.‍
• Financial Protection – Microsoft will cover any settlements or adverse judgments resulting from copyright infringement lawsuits.‍
• Commitment Scope – The Microsoft Copilot Copyright Commitment extends to paid versions of commercial services including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure OpenAI, Bing Chat Enterprise, and GitHub Copilot.

Of course, the program does have conditions. For example, commercial customers must use the built-in filters and safety tools along with making every effort to not intentionally infringe on copyrights.

Solid Protection for Small Business

While Copilot Copyright Commitment benefits businesses of all sizes, it is especially helpful for small businesses lacking the financial resources to protect themselves against copyright infringement suits. The program represents legal protection and financial security that small businesses otherwise would not have access to.

With the protection and the peace of mind it offers, small businesses can rely more on Copilot and Microsoft 365 to streamline business tasks. They can leverage Copilot and its AI capabilities to build better partnerships.

It all boils down to greater confidence in AI-powered tools. And given that generative AI may quickly be approaching a crossroads in terms of adoption, small businesses need all the reassurance they can to embrace tools like Copilot.

No Extra Licensing Required

Paid users of Microsoft's commercial Copilot services, including Bing Chat Enterprise, do not require any additional licensing to enjoy the advantages of the copyright commitment program. The commitment is baked into existing licensing. Likewise, businesses don't need to take any additional steps or modify their actions to benefit from the program.

Business owners and individuals should note that the legal protection does not apply to Microsoft's free products. It also does not apply to customized Copilot services or consumer products. The protection is only for paid users of commercial Copilot services.

Make Better Use of MS Products With Opkalla

Microsoft continues its commitment to helping organizations make better use of their IT solutions. The Copilot Copyright Commitment is evidence of that. Nonetheless, Microsoft offers so much that small businesses can feel overwhelmed by it. That is where organizations like Opkalla come in.

We can help you make the most of all your Microsoft IT solutions. We can help you figure out how to best use Microsoft products in your day-to-day operations. And in terms of licensing, we can be your partner in guaranteeing the right licenses based on need as well as ongoing compliance with Microsoft licensing agreements.

Whether you need help with paid Copilot services, MS 365, Azure, or any other MS products, we have your back. Reach out to our team and let us start working together to maximize your IT.