Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence technology that produces an output such as text or an image in response to user instructions (prompts) based on the datasets it is trained with. On 99designs, designers are able to use generative AI tools in certain circumstances and categories, but only when you give permission for them to do so.
At 99designs we believe in the power of human creativity and the magic that happens when you work with a designer that just gets you and your brand. We also understand that new technologies open up exciting possibilities within the creative process, and so we give you the choice of opting in or out of allowing designers to use generative AI tools in your contest.
99designs considers content created using generative AI tools (wholly or partially) as third party material, so we only allow it in categories where this is already permitted. This means that generative AI is not allowed in the following contest categories:
- Logo design
- Art & illustration
- Button or icon design
If you wish to create a trademark or own the copyright for your design, we recommend that you do not allow designers to use generative AI in your contest. Additionally, please note that AI-generated content is not considered to be the work of a human creator, meaning it fails to meet the legal requirements for copyright protection in many jurisdictions.
- If you don’t want generative AI used in your contest:
We understand that you may not want AI used in your design contest at all. You can easily select this option in your contest brief, and designers will only submit concepts entirely of their own creation.
- If you choose to allow generative AI in your contest:
If you do allow the use of generative AI tools in your contest, you opt in when you create your contest brief. Even when AI is allowed, designers must still follow 99designs’ rules around quality and originality and deliver you a bespoke and original creative execution.
Designers must also always disclose which generative AI tool they have used in their concept submission, and confirm that the terms and conditions of the tool they used allows them to transfer ownership of the design to you.
It is important to make sure that you read the terms and conditions of the generative AI tool used yourself to ensure you fully understand any usage limitations of the design created.
How to opt in or out of allowing generative AI in your contest:
If you are running a contest in a category where AI is permitted (i.e. not logo, illustration or button and icon design), as you fill in your brief you will be asked if you wish to allow the use of generative AI in your design contest. The choice is completely up to you, and your decision will be clearly communicated to designers participating in your contest.
In the drop down menu, your two options are:
- Yes, I allow designers to use generative AI in their submissions
- No, I do not allow designers to use AI their submissions
How do I know which generative AI tool was used in creating my design?
When a designer submits a concept that uses generative AI in your contest, they must disclose which generative AI tool they have used. They can also add extra details about how and where they have used AI in the design. This information can be seen on the design submission page.
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If you select a winning design that uses generative AI, the information will also be available on the handover page where you can download your final designs.