Chandler attorney Jim Ko, principal of Ko IP & AI Law and founder of the nonprofit AI Rights Project, is taking a stand in a high‑profile federal lawsuit that could shape how artificial‑intelligence systems use copyrighted material.

Local legal advocate steps into national courtroom

Ko, a solo practitioner, filed an amicus curiae (friend‑of‑the‑court) brief in the New York Times v. OpenAI case. The brief argues that the courts must recognize a fundamental difference between human learning and machine pattern‑matching. While a person reads a book and creates something new, an algorithm processes data at massive scale, stripping away context and turning original works into generic commodities.

Why the case matters to Chandler entrepreneurs

For small‑business owners, independent creators, and local developers, intellectual property is the bedrock of their value. Their training manuals, custom code, brand voice, and original artwork give them a competitive edge. If courts accept the argument that AI can freely harvest such works under a broad “fair use” claim, the precedent could erode the very assets that sustain these enterprises.

Building on Arizona’s legal legacy

Ko sees his work as part of a long Arizona tradition of frontier‑defining legal leadership. He cites 1990s pioneer Jack Brown of Brown & Bain, who defended Intel’s founders and helped launch the state’s tech sector while supporting local business groups. Ko aims to continue that legacy by protecting the rights of today’s creators.

“The Human Baseline” principle

At the heart of Ko’s advocacy is a concept he calls “The Human Baseline.” The principle holds that as technology advances, laws, business practices, and social norms must remain anchored in human judgment and accountable agency. Without such a baseline, AI could shift legal rules in practice without any formal legislative change.

Congress, not corporations, should set the rules

Ko’s brief reminds the judiciary that Congress—not private tech firms—has the constitutional responsibility to define copyright and adjust fair‑use standards. He urges lawmakers to act before courts are forced to decide on issues that could have sweeping economic consequences.

How the community can help

The AI Rights Project offers a plain‑English “Know Your AI Rights” guide for creators and business owners. Residents interested in supporting the effort can visit airightsproject.org to learn more or contribute.

By bringing a national legal battle to the doorstep of Chandler, Jim Ko demonstrates that principled, community‑based leadership can influence the future of technology and protect the livelihoods of everyday Arizonans.

Original reporting: Scottsdale Progress — read the source article.