OpenAI Can Keep Atty Comms Secret After All, Judge Says

By Editorial Team

A New York federal judge has overturned a previous order that required OpenAI’s in-house attorneys to disclose their internal communications regarding deleted training datasets to authors suing over alleged copyright infringement. The judge found the conclusions behind the original decision to be “clearly erroneous or contrary to law.”

The ruling, made on Friday, marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between OpenAI and the authors. The decision allows OpenAI to maintain the confidentiality of its attorney communications, protecting sensitive information related to the case.

The lawsuit revolves around allegations of copyright infringement by OpenAI related to deleted training datasets. The authors claimed that OpenAI unlawfully used their copyrighted materials in developing artificial intelligence models.

Several prominent law firms are involved in the case, including Boies Schiller, Cowan DeBaets, Faegre Drinker, Keker Van Nest & Peters, Latham & Watkins, Leach & Walker, Lieff Cabraser, Morrison & Foerster, Orrick Herrington, and Susman Godfrey.

Key companies mentioned in the lawsuit include Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI OpCo LLC. The litigation is taking place in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, presided over by Judge Sidney H. Stein.

This latest ruling underscores the importance of attorney-client privilege and the confidentiality of legal communications in litigation. It also highlights the complexities involved in cases where intellectual property rights intersect with cutting-edge technology.

For more updates on this case and other legal news, stay tuned to Law360.