AI art and copy are forms of creative expression that are generated by artificial intelligence systems. AI art and copy can include text, images, video, audio, and other types of media. However, the legal status of AI art and copy is NOT CLEAR and varies by jurisdiction and the circumstances of the creation.

AI art and copy may face some challenges in obtaining copyright protection for several reasons:

• AI art and copy are not created by humans, but by machines. In many countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, only human authors can claim copyright ownership of their works.
• AI art and copy are not original. The work is derived from existing data from various sources, such as the internet. This may include data that is already copyrighted by others.
• AI art and copy are not expressive, but mechanical. AI systems do not have creativity, intention, or emotion when they produce content. They simply follow the instructions and rules that are programmed into them. Therefore, some may argue that AI art and copy lack the artistic merit or value that is required for copyright protection.

However, there may be some exceptions or arguments in favor of protecting AI art and copy in certain cases:

• AI art and copy may be considered as joint works or works made for hire. If a human collaborates with an AI system to create content, or if a human commissions an AI system to create content for them, they may be able to claim some or all of the rights to the content as co-authors or employers.
• AI art and copy may be considered as transformative works or fair use. If an AI system uses existing data in a way that adds new meaning, purpose, or value to the original work, or if an AI system uses existing data for a limited and non-commercial purpose, such as education or research, they may be able to avoid infringement claims from the original rights holders.
• AI art and copy may be considered as public domain works or open-source works. If an AI system uses data that is freely available to the public, or if an AI system releases its content under a license that allows anyone to use it for any purpose, they may be able to avoid any legal issues regarding ownership or permission.

In summary, there is no definitive answer to whether AI art and copy can be protected by law, as it may depend on various factors such as the country, the context, and the content. It is advisable to consult a legal expert before using or creating AI art and copy to promote your products or services. 

Obituary  ::  Murray Lamont

June 19, 1925 - January 26, 2024

Murray was born in 1925 to Albert and Myra Lamont in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He lived a long, good life, and his memory will live on in all of those who knew him, loved him and celebrated him. He trained as a Lancaster bomber pilot in World War II, earning the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and then worked at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Baker-Lovick advertising in Toronto after the war. He was physically active throughout his entire life, playing basketball as a young adult, then later fishing, curling, golf, sailing, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. His bridge games were sharp and unconventional, winning him many tournaments. His travels led him and his wife to England, Ireland, former Yugoslavia, Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Hong Kong, Hungary, Romania, and the Caribbean Islands. He involved himself in many causes in Thornbury, including the school lunch program, the potluck dinners at the church, and the Beaver Valley Probus Club events. His wit and sense of humour endeared him to his many collegues, friends and family. He approached every occasion with a sense of joy and anticipation.

Among his parting wishes he said, “I don’t mind dying. I just don’t want to be around when it happens.”

Jazz music, especially swing, was a big part of his entire life. There was always jazz music playing on his stereo and his vintage jazz records were a prized possession. He would crank up the jazz music at 10am on weekends to signal to his teenage sons that it was time for them to wake up, and for him to listen to jazz. Photography was also important to him; he always had the latest equipment and took thousands of pictures at business, family and vacation events. He was artistic and had a keen eye for composition. Murray is survived by Doreen Lamont, his wife of 70 plus years, as well as his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will all continue to cherish his memory. He loved children and especially enjoyed family time at home and at the many cottages he visited over the years. The family will gather for a private ceremony later in the year in Thornbury, Ontario, where he enjoyed many years of his retirement life. He will forever be remembered for his joyful spirit, his unwavering love, and the incredible positive effect he had on everyone he met. While he may no longer be with us in person, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. Please celebrate the life of this remarkable man, as we remember the laughter, love, and light he brought into the world.

Obituary  ::  Murray Lamont

About 1,900 km from where I'm posting this blog entry there’s a narrow forest road that meanders through our northern boreal forest. At the very end of this road there's a little village. Look closely and you'll see that this little village has stores, homes, cars, a bank; all of the amenities that you can image the local forest fairies might need on a day-to-day basis. It's wonderful.

Of all of the things that I’ve discovered on my forest walks this year, this is by far the most significant one. 

It shows me that love, kindness, environmental consideration and imagination are not just welcome here, they have a home here. 

This village inspires me to believe that the parents who have helped their children imagine and create this village are raising inquisitive, sensitive and imaginative children who are FAR more likely to grow up to be considerate, responsible, inclusive and visionary leaders. 

PEACE.  LOVE.  UNDERSTANDING.