Protecting human authorship
A new technology from the Japanese company Wacom aims to protect human authorship. Metadata from the creation process is integrated into the artwork itself. Here's what's behind the innovation that puts artists first.
Protecting artists' digital rights online was a challenge even before the advent of generative artificial intelligence. It is likely to be exacerbated by the rapid qualitative development of AI and the resulting flood of content.
In addition, copyright laws vary from country to country and are at odds with the realities of life for creatives working internationally and our globalised world. Copyright disputes often end up in complex, lengthy and costly court cases. Artists are frequently up against large and very powerful companies.
Heidi Wang and her team develop innovations.
“Yuify" aims to empower creatives in this situation. It is an innovative technology from Wacom, manufacturer of digital pen tablets and pen displays. The service helps artists working digitally to verify and manage their copyrights. This is done in three steps:
The creation
Valid proof of authorship begins at the very moment of creation. Since every work is unique and every step is recorded by the software, this results in so-called metadata. Together they are as individual as a handwriting. Yuify merges this data into a kind of digital signature. Wacom is working with software providers to comprehensively map this step and develop a cross-industry standard. Adobe Photoshop, Celsys Clip Paint Studio and Rebelle by Escape Motions are on board as partners.
Registration
Proof of authorship is permanently recorded and integrated into the digital artwork as a link. This micromark is technically protected against most common manipulation techniques (e.g. screenshots or cropping). The registration link leads to a blockchain-based database where authorship information can be viewed at any time.
Licensing
Yuify includes a toolbox of licensing contracts that artists can customise to their individual needs. All completed contracts are signed and stored within the platform. Biometric signature validation ensures that the artist has signed the contract.
"Our vision is to preserve human originality and creativity in the digital world - with permanent proof of authorship and full autonomy of the artist in sharing," says Heidi Wang, Senior Vice President Ink Division at Wacom. Heidi leads the Ink Division, which drives innovation and develops software technologies, including the Yuify application. Yuify is currently in the beta phase and will be launched in 2024. The service will be available free of charge to anyone who creates digitally. Regardless of whether they use a Wacom device or not.
ABOUT WACOM
Wacom is the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and digital interface solutions.
Founded 1983 in Kazo City, Japan
Offices around the world support marketing and sales in over 150 countries and regions
European headquarters are in Düsseldorf, Germany
Words: Lisa Maria Kunst
Pictures: PR, Unsplash/Maxim Berg, Jochen Manz