Intellectual Property & AI
Intellectual Property And Generative AI Images
By Valerie Siganga
Tuma Prompt !! This means send the prompt . It is the catchphrase that is taking the Kenyan digital landscape by storm . I believe it is akin to the phrase Tuma na ya kutoa ( Meaning send the transaction withdrawal fee ).
Over the past few months , I have had the opportunity to experience working with generative AI to generate images and to interact with others who are doing the same . What started as an opportunity to fill in the massive African stock image void is quickly turning into the ultimate solution for creative designers and even curious individuals . I can picture ( and have witnessed ) the boardroom discussions around using AI images .
Mr . Boss : AI is a game changer , why aren ’ t we using it ?
Sales Manager : I ’ m looking into it , I think Kevo ( the graphic designer ) can do it .
Mr . Boss : Yes , tell him to do those AI images . We can save so much on those agency costs , and their stock image fees . In fact , if we get Kevo to do it , do we even need an agency ?
Sales Manager : Actually , we can save and even just get the images when we want them . We can keep things internal .
Now , let ’ s all take a deep breath and a moment of empathy for the unsuspecting Kevo . And a disclaimer - note that this conversation is between the Sales Manager and Mr . Boss rather than the Marketing Manager . This is important later in the article .
What is driving this curiosity for generative AI images , and the hunger to jump into the foray ? The significant uptake of large corporates embracing AI image usage in a range of campaigns online , in print , and out of home signals credibility and increases demand .
In forums where people are still dabbling with AI tools , I ’ ve noticed that there is a great point that is missing - unanswered questions that nag me and are a struggle to figure out . In this article , I give my thoughts on these questions which are : How do you protect your AI images to prevent blatant theft and misuse ? How can you make money with ease from AI images ? If you have the images , do you even need an agency or is the graphic designer enough ?
I believe the crux of the matter lies in intellectual property . And that is The Prompt . Your Prompt is your Intellectual Property .
AI Prompt Engineers , the architects behind these images , possess a unique skill set elevating them above traditional graphic designers . Their skills often include understanding editing tools , photography , attention to detail , and crafting images that transcend the ordinary . A great AI prompt engineer is in a class of their own . They form one of the many arms of Marketing .
A marketer will tell you that to create a campaign , you need more than the visual , there is considerable thinking behind every word and nuance in the campaign . A successful campaign , marketing message , or key visual hinges on meticulous strategy , planning , and execution . As this attracts expense , it is no surprise that marketers are often left out of key decision-making and only brought in at the implementation phase . However , I digress - back to the intellectual property .
If you have the Generative AI Images , do you even need an agency or is the graphic designer enough ? No , the graphic designer alone is not enough . An image does not equal a campaign but is rather an element within a campaign . If you are interested in ROI , work with a well-defined strategic marketing team .
Upcoming AI prompt engineers in Kenya generously support others to grow in the field , and this means that it is common to see them sharing their prompts . Building a prompt that gets you the result you want is an art and takes practice . Once you have mastered this , you need to protect your art .
Producing a replica image is indeed highly unlikely though with the right prompt , someone can get close . So , what does this mean for someone in this space ?
It means that someone may attempt to
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