OpenAI Seeks Access to NYT's ChatGPT Prompts in Copyright Lawsuit

AI company requests deposition of Times' expert consultant and access to prompts used in exhibit

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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OpenAI has asked a federal judge to allow it to depose the New York Times' expert consultant who worked on an exhibit in the newspaper's complaint. The exhibit showed how OpenAI's ChatGPT language model produced outputs that allegedly copied Times articles. OpenAI also requested that the judge order the Times and other media plaintiffs to provide the specific ChatGPT prompts and outputs used to create the exhibit.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between AI companies and media outlets over the use of copyrighted material. OpenAI is seeking access to the Times' internal processes and evidence in an effort to defend itself against the copyright infringement claims brought by the newspaper and other media plaintiffs.

The details

In a filing with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, OpenAI argued that deposing the Times' expert consultant and obtaining the specific ChatGPT prompts and outputs used in the exhibit are necessary for its defense. The company claims this information is crucial to understanding how the exhibit was created and evaluating the allegations of copyright infringement.

  • The lawsuit against OpenAI was filed in 2026.

The players

OpenAI Inc.

An artificial intelligence research company that developed the ChatGPT language model, which is at the center of the copyright infringement lawsuit.

New York Times Co.

A major media company that has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT has copied content from its articles.

Judge Ona T. Wang

The federal judge overseeing the consolidated case against OpenAI involving the Times and several other media outlets.

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What’s next

The judge will decide whether to grant OpenAI's requests to depose the Times' expert consultant and obtain the specific ChatGPT prompts and outputs used in the exhibit.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between AI companies and media outlets over the use of copyrighted material. The outcome could have significant implications for the development and deployment of large language models like ChatGPT, as well as the ability of media companies to protect their intellectual property.