New Joint Statement on AI-Generation and Copyright

“As AI tools become more integrated into creative workflows, it’s essential that we give designers the clarity and confidence to use them responsibly. This policy helps set expectations around authorship, attribution and ethical use—so that Members can continue to innovate while upholding the values that define our profession.”

Nicola Hamilton RGD

The RGD has introduced a new Joint Policy Statement on AI-Generation and Copyright in collaboration with DesCan and SDGQ for the benefit of our Members, design buyers and the broader public. This unified effort is a point of pride for Canadian designers, showcasing the strength and solidarity of their professional community.

The statement is as follows:

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in numerous innovations in the creative field. However, as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, it raises complex questions around copyright, authorship, attribution and the ethical use of this technology.

We encourage our members to stay informed about AI’s impact on creation and copyright and to consider these points when using AI technologies in their work. While the issue remains largely unresolved, it is evident that existing legal frameworks may not be fully equipped to handle these novel challenges.

We urge our members to adhere to our Code of Ethics, ensuring they maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in their practice. Members should be aware of the potential risks in using copyrighted material as a basis for AI-generation without permission, as well as the importance of attribution and authorship. Ethical considerations surrounding the role of the creator in the creative process and the potential misuse of AI-generated content must also be taken into account.

While AI-generation may offer creative possibilities and technical enhancements, it is crucial to preserve the integrity and authenticity of all creative professions. We support the idea that human perspective, emotion and creativity remain at the core of the design process and AI should be utilized as a tool to augment, not replace, the role of the creator.

As AI technology continues to evolve, we will closely monitor legal and ethical developments and provide guidance to our members. We encourage open dialogue and collaboration to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-generation, ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of professional creatives are protected and respected. We call for ongoing dialogue, research and collaboration among stakeholders in the design, visual media and legal communities to address the challenges posed by AI-generation. 

“To quote Yogi Berra, "the future ain't what it used to be." The reality is that AI is changing the way we do design in ways that we don't yet understand, so having common guideposts for Canadian designers is imperative.”

Chris Dickert RGD

The statement has been adapted with permission from a policy originally developed by the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC) and tailored to reflect the context and considerations of the design profession.

In addition to the policy, we have created a statement that adapted by Members to include on websites and in communications to clients:

"As a Member of the RGD, I am required to abide by the rules set out in the Code of Ethics, ensuring I maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in my practice. As I explore ways to incorporate Artificial Intelligence into my practice, I am committed to understanding its ethical, legal and societal implications. I will ensure that my clients (and employees) understand how and why AI systems are being used, including their purpose, limitations and potential impacts. This commitment also includes properly crediting creators and disclosing when work was created with the assistance of AI."