1. Be original
All designs submitted on 99designs, including those created using generative AI tools, must still be original creative concepts. It’s a good idea to conduct thorough checks to ensure your AI-generated content does not (even inadvertently) copy existing works.
For example, if you’re using an AI tool to create an image of a cityscape and it is later discovered that the image resembles a well-known photograph, this can lead to a copyright dispute that you are responsible for. Make sure you conduct a thorough originality check and use well-vetted resources.
Some tips on how to do this include:
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Keeping track of your entire creative process. To claim originality, a human must be significantly involved in the creative process, so keeping a note of prompts used, choices made, sketches, notes, and even keeping a time-lapse or screen recording of your process can be very helpful should any issues arise.
- Using a reverse image search, like tineye.com, just to ensure that your work is unlikely to be considered derivative of an existing work.
2. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of AI tools you use
When you declare your use of AI in a contest submission, you will also be asked to confirm that you’ve read and understood the terms and conditions of that tool to ensure you are able to transfer ownership of the design to the client.
It is your responsibility to ensure the tool provides commercial use licenses that are broad enough to cover the client’s intended use. Always use reputable tools known for producing original content and make sure you fully read and keep track of the tool’s terms and conditions to avoid future problems.
3. Communicate with clients clearly
The most important thing is to communicate clearly with clients about any AI-generated material used in your design, including any limitations of the licensing or commercial use. Keep track of all information about the tools you used, the terms and conditions of these tools, and make sure you inform clients of these details.
You can learn more about how to declare AI-generated material in contests here. As there is no declaration tool in projects, we ask you to provide any links and all relevant information about AI-generated materials you are using in the "Activity" tab, and ensure that clients give their written permission for you to use AI tools. You can find more info here.