// BBC ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS — MODA & SOCIETÀ
Gruffalo illustrator considering legal action against AI firms
The Gruffalo has been a staple of children's bookshelves since 1999
The illustrator behind the popular children's book The Gruffalo has told BBC London he is "seriously considering" launching legal action against artificial intelligence (AI) firms he says breach copyright in reproducing his work.
Axel Scheffler, whose illustrations have captivated children since 1999, said he wanted AI companies to stop using artists' work without permission.
The Gruffalo, written by London-born children's author Julia Donaldson, tells the story of a mouse who outsmarts a beast.
"I've been in touch with a lawyer in Germany," Scheffler said.
"There have been illustrators taking legal action against AI companies and I'm seriously considering it. I just want them to stop."
The south London-based artist did not name a company his legal team would consider pursuing.
AI firms have previously argued that using copyrighted material to train their models does not necessarily constitute copyright infringement.
Axel Scheffler says he wants better protection for creative works
Scheffler, who does not own a smartphone, said he tried to ignore AI until someone showed him how his most famous creations had been digitally recreated in locations such as Silicon Valley and Oktoberfest.