Ziff Davis, the media company behind popular tech websites like PCMag, Mashable, and Lifehacker, has filed a lawsuit against Open AI, accusing the artificial intelligence leader of using its content without permission.
As one of the largest digital publishers in the United States, Ziff Davis operates over 45 websites worldwide and attracts nearly 292 million visitors every month.
The company has now joined other major media outlets challenging Open AI over the way it gathers and uses data to train its AI models.
In a 62-page legal filing submitted to a federal court in Delaware—where Open AI is incorporated—Ziff Davis claims the company copied its content without permission and used it to train tools like ChatGPT. The publisher says this violates copyright laws and damages its brand and trademarks.
According to the complaint, Open AI “intentionally and repeatedly” used Ziff Davis content to generate responses through its AI chatbot, fully aware that it was infringing on intellectual property.
Sources familiar with the matter say Ziff Davis is demanding at least several hundred million dollars in damages.
In response, a spokesperson for Open AI stated that its AI models operate within the boundaries of “fair use,” a legal principle that allows limited use of copyrighted content without direct permission.
The company also defended its tools, saying ChatGPT supports creativity, innovation, and helps millions of people improve their lives daily.
Many publishers remain uneasy about how fast AI is evolving. The rise of companies like Open AI—which rely heavily on online content to build their models—has caused concern across the media world.
Some publishers, like News Corp (owner of The Wall Street Journal), have chosen to license their content to Open AI in exchange for financial deals worth millions. Others, like Ziff Davis, are heading to court to protect their rights and seek compensation.
Several lawsuits involving Open AI are now being grouped together as they move through the U.S. court system. That includes the case filed by The New York Times.
Ziff Davis had reportedly been weighing its options for months. In the end, the company chose legal action, hoping to set an example for other media organizations facing similar challenges from Open AI.
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