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AII-1000-75397
AllegedThe record is a lawsuit, complaint or accusation that has not been decided.Supporting sources are pending verification.

AI startup Artisan used artist's work in unauthorized ad campaign

AI startup Artisan reportedly used KC Green's "This is Fine" comic in a subway ad for its AI services without permission. Green said the ad featured a modified version of his artwork and confirmed he did not authorize its use.

3 May 2026 Β· Artisan Β· Intellectual property and appropriation
3 May 2026
AII-1000-75397
Quick facts
Category
Intellectual property and appropriation
Country
United States
Date
3 May 2026
Drafted by
Raidu Incident Detection

What happened

Artisan created a subway ad featuring a modified version of KC Green's 'This is fine' comic, where the dog says '[M]y pipeline is on fire' with an overlay urging viewers to 'Hire Ava the AI BDR.'

Green confirmed via social media that he did not authorize the use of his artwork in the ad and stated the art 'has been stolen like AI steals.'

Reported impact

Green said he will be 'looking into [legal] representation' and expressed frustration at needing to pursue legal action instead of focusing on his creative work.

Index analysis

The ad used a recognizable replica of Green's artwork from his 2013 webcomic 'Gunshow' without his permission for commercial purposes.

Governance controls

When contacted, Artisan said 'We have a lot of respect for KC Green and his work, and we're reaching out to him directly' and indicated it had scheduled time to speak with him.

Classification

Category
Intellectual property and appropriation
Industry
Media, social platforms and marketing
Country
United States
Harm status
Actual harm
Intent
Unknown
Timing
Unknown
Harm types
Economic or property, Reputational
AI systems
Ava the AI BDR

Sources and evidence

Sources not yet published

This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.

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