Are WA Image Studio Images Copyrighted?

A great question was just asked in the Chat. The question was are images created using the Image Studio protected under copyright laws in the United States?

Of course, my first thought was to check with AI. So I asked the question: "According to AI, are images that I have designed for AI under the Wealthy Affiliate Image Studio protected under copyright laws in the U.S.?"

The response was:

Based on current U.S. Copyright Office policies and recent legal rulings as of early 2026, images designed solely with AI—including those created in the Wealthy Affiliate Image Studio—are generally not protected under U.S. copyright laws. Mashable +1The U.S. copyright system requires a "human author," and the Supreme Court recently (March 2026) left in place rulings that works created autonomously by AI are not eligible for copyright, meaning they often enter the public domain. Morgan Lewis +2Here is the breakdown of how this applies to your AI-generated images:

• Purely AI-Generated Images (No Protection): If you create an image simply by entering a text prompt (e.g., "a futuristic office with a laptop, cinematic style") and use the output as-is, that image is not protected by copyright.
• AI-Assisted Images (Potential Protection): If you "significantly modify" or customize the AI-generated image (e.g., using Photoshop to add your own original artistic elements, changing composition, or editing color extensively), the parts you created may be eligible for copyright protection, but the AI-generated base image remains uncopyrightable.
• Wealthy Affiliate Terms: According to Wealthy Affiliate's Image Studio information, the images generated are meant to be original visuals safe to use on your website and social channels without traditional stock image concerns. However, this refers to ownership/usage rights within their platform, not federal copyright protection.
• The "Prompt" Issue: Simply writing a detailed prompt does not mean the user is the author; the AI is still considered the creator of the visual expression. Congress.gov +4

Recommendations for Creators:

1. Document Your Process: Keep your prompts, drafts, and editing logs. This helps prove "substantial human involvement" if you ever need to defend your work.
2. Combine AI and Human Work: Combine AI elements with your own original graphics, text, or photographs to secure copyright over the final composition.
3. Disclose AI Use: If you try to register a work that includes AI-generated imagery, you must disclose it to the Copyright Office.

Disclaimer: I am an AI, not an attorney. This information is based on current U.S. legal stances as of early 2026 and should not be taken as legal advice.

What's your take on this? Any copyright lawyers in the house?