Can You Use Generative AI Commercially? How to Tell, the Risks, and Why copainter Is Safe

Have you ever wondered whether illustrations created with generative AI can be used commercially? In fact, the rules vary by service, and using AI-generated images without knowing the terms can lead to problems such as copyright infringement.

In this article, we’ll explain in detail the differences between generative AI tools that allow commercial use and those that don’t, as well as important points to keep in mind. We’ll also introduce why copainter is a safe choice for business use.

Try copainter, the AI illustration creation support tool <

Bottom line: Can AI-generated illustrations be used commercially?

Whether AI-generated illustrations can be used commercially depends on the service. In other words, some services allow commercial use, while others do not.

Even if a service permits commercial use, the way you use the output can still infringe copyright or portrait/publicity rights. In particular, results that closely resemble existing works or images that use the features of real people carry higher risk. It’s important to review the terms of service and take thorough precautions to avoid problems.

Who owns the rights to the artwork? Let’s cover the basics

The rights related to AI-generated illustrations are basically determined by each service’s terms of service. This is because misuse can create risks of infringement, including copyright violations.

According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ guidance on copyright, “similarity” within the range of common ideas or general concepts does not necessarily constitute copyright infringement. However, if you explicitly instruct the AI (via prompts) to imitate existing content (e.g., the protagonist of a particular manga) and then use the output commercially, it may be considered “dependency” under copyright law—meaning you created the work while relying on an existing copyrighted work—which could lead to a finding of infringement.

When handling images of people or characters, you should also consider portrait rights and publicity rights. If you plan to use AI-generated illustrations commercially, be sure to confirm these three points: copyright, portrait/publicity rights, and the service’s terms of use.

Reference: AI and Copyright — Agency for Cultural Affairs

copainter allows commercial use

copainter is an AI illustration tool that supports commercial use.

Rights-related details are clearly stated in the Terms of Service and FAQ, so you can review them and use copainter confidently for business purposes.

Most of the AI features provided by copainter are designed to refine and enhance illustrations drawn by the user. Copyright does not transfer away from the user who created the original illustration, which is another reason copainter can be used with peace of mind.

copainter also offers business plans, and it has been adopted by manga studios, game companies, and animation production companies. This broad applicability—from hobby drawing to professional work—is one of copainter’s key strengths.

Try copainter, the AI illustration creation support tool <

What’s the difference between AI tools that allow commercial use and those that don’t?

Let’s review how to identify which generative AI tools allow commercial use.

Not limited to illustration generation, the following types of AI tools are typically not suitable for commercial use:

• AI tools developed for personal use and research purposes
• Free AI tools that are only available on the condition that commercial use is prohibited
• AI tools whose terms explicitly state “non-commercial use only”
• AI tools where images you upload may be used for training or other purposes

Services like copainter that offer business plans generally do not fall into these categories, making them safer for commercial use.

Always review the terms before use to avoid unnecessary risk.

Check the “Terms of Service” to confirm commercial use eligibility

In the terms of service for a generative AI tool, key sections to check include:

• Prohibited activities
• Intellectual property rights
• How user data is used (including training)

If these items are not clearly stated in the terms, commercial use is not recommended.

Even if commercial use is allowed, be cautious if the terms indicate that “user-uploaded data or generated data may be used for training,” as that may not be appropriate for business use.

Also, usage rights may differ by plan within the same service. To prevent issues later, it’s important to carefully review the details before using the service.

Rules you must follow even if commercial use is allowed

Even if a generative AI tool permits commercial use, using it in a way that violates copyright law can still result in infringement.

For example, creating and selling illustrations that evoke another company’s trademarks or famous characters, or using a third party’s likeness without permission, is not allowed.

To use AI safely, it’s essential to follow not only the service’s terms but also applicable laws, and to maintain a strong awareness of risk prevention.

What happens if you use “commercial-use-prohibited” AI illustrations for work?

Using illustrations created with a generative AI service that prohibits commercial use can lead to serious trouble. This includes not only legal risks, but also damage to trust and increased costs.

Common risks include:

• Being sued by the company that provides the AI generation service
• Losing trust from your company, clients, or business partners
• Spending additional time and money on rework or replacement

Let’s take a closer look.

Risk of being sued by the service provider

If you use AI-generated illustrations commercially despite the service clearly stating “commercial use not allowed,” you may be in violation of the terms of service and face the risk of legal action from the provider.

As with any online service, if a user violates the terms, the provider may have the right to seek damages. Such disputes can also harm a company’s public image.

Loss of trust from your company or clients

Even if it doesn’t escalate to a lawsuit, being perceived as a company that “doesn’t take rights seriously” can damage credibility with clients and partners. If you are seen as having low compliance standards, it can negatively affect long-term relationships and new business opportunities.

To protect brand value and corporate reputation, compliance with the service’s terms is essential.

Rework and replacement costs

If you use inappropriate images generated by a non-commercial AI service, you may incur additional time and cost to fix or replace them.

If this happens in areas like anime backgrounds or game character illustrations, the losses can be substantial. Choosing a service that permits commercial use from the start helps prevent these issues and supports a more efficient production workflow.

Why copainter is safe for commercial use

copainter is designed not only for personal enjoyment, but also for professional and business use. You don’t need to worry about whether commercial use is allowed—you can create illustrations confidently. Here are five reasons:

1. We develop and provide compliant AI models built with Japan’s copyright law in mind
2. We do not train on user-uploaded data without permission
3. Commercial use is clearly permitted in our terms
4. copainter is already used by game and animation companies
5. Business plans are available

1. Proprietary AI models designed with Japan’s copyright law in mind

copainter uses proprietary AI models specialized for illustration support, such as converting rough sketches into clean line art. Another key reason users choose copainter is that it is designed with Japan’s copyright framework in mind.

2. We don’t train on user data without consent

In copainter, user-uploaded images and generated images are generally deleted automatically after about one week. We keep them during that period to respond to user inquiries.

3. Commercial use is explicitly allowed

copainter clearly states in its terms that commercial use is permitted, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases such as advertising, product packaging, and digital content.

Of course, compliance with the terms is a prerequisite. By checking prohibited uses and using the service appropriately, you can avoid legal risk and adopt it safely for business.

4. Proven adoption by game and anime studios

copainter is already used by hundreds of game companies and animation studios, demonstrating strong commercial track record.

Being used in professional production environments shows the tool’s reliability and quality. It is chosen across many fields, including entertainment, as a way to improve efficiency and expand creative possibilities.

5. Business plans, including Enterprise

copainter offers plans specialized for corporate use.

In particular, the Enterprise plan enables stronger contractual terms related to data management, supporting corporate compliance requirements and making it suitable for large-scale production and long-term use.

This flexibility—from hobbyists to professionals—is a major advantage.

Learn more about copainter plans here <

Who should consider copainter’s business plans?

copainter’s business plans are ideal for companies that want to use AI illustration seriously in their work, such as:

• Companies developing manga, anime, games, webtoons, and other content
• Small businesses that want to produce illustrations in-house

For example, companies that need large volumes of images for ads or social media, or small businesses aiming to internalize illustration production, may find the Business plan suitable.

On the other hand, companies such as game and animation studios that value unique characters and brand expression may prefer the Enterprise plan. It supports custom AI model development and multi-user usage, strengthening production capabilities.

With flexible plans to match different needs, copainter can fit a wide range of industries and company sizes.

Learn more about copainter plans here <

Summary

Whether AI-generated illustrations can be used commercially depends on each service’s terms and how training data is handled. Choosing the wrong tool or violating terms can lead to serious risks such as copyright infringement and loss of trust.

With copainter, commercial use is clearly permitted, and it offers business plans and a strong adoption record—making it a reliable option. If you want to use AI illustrations for business, consider starting with copainter’s corporate plans.

Try copainter, the AI illustration creation support tool <