Webinar: Copyrightability of LLM-generated code by FSFE
A legal education training seminar on legal questions arising from the use of LLMs in the creation of Free Software offered by Gabriel Ku Wei Bin from the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE).
The use of large language models (“LLMs”) has exploded in recent years, including in the generation of source code. But even as their usage gains popularity, these trends bring with them pressing legal questions as well: if code is generated by an LLM, is that code copyrightable? And if so, who owns the copyright to that generated code? It's important for developers to know how to answer these questions, because copyright is a foundational pillar of the legal framework that supports Free Software.
How to join?
You can join the session on the BigBlueButton platform via the following link: https://vc.ngi-0.eu/rooms/ahq-y96-uhs-jka/join. No need to subscribe, the room is open. However, if you would like to receive a ping a few days ahead of the webinar to remind you, you can send an email to webinars@nlnet.nl.
Understanding the legal aspects of LLMs for free software developers
Gabriel will help you understand how copyright law affects your ability to create Free Software when programmes are made with the help of LLMs, by providing a breakdown of the various legal principles and court decisions regarding copyright and machine generated content. After the talk there will be time to ask questions.
Note that this is an educational seminar and that its contents do not constitute legal advice.
FSFE has published an in-depth article on this topic on August 25, 2026. It is full of insights about legal principles and court decisions. We highly recommend you read Copyrightability of LLM-generated code: Can we license “vibe code” into Free Software?
About Gabriel Ku Wei Bin
Gabriel Ku Wei Bin is a Legal Programme Manager at the FSFE. Originally from Singapore, Gabriel is a former human rights and constitutional law researcher, as well as a former commercial lawyer. At the FSFE, Gabriel manages the FSFE’s legal projects, including its involvement in a number of European Commission funded projects, including the NGI0 and Open Internet Stack projects. Additionally, Gabriel administers the FSFE’s Legal Network of lawyers around the world involved in Free Software, in order to to promote discussion and foster better knowledge of the legal constructs that back Free Software.
FSFE offers support services to NGI0/OIS grantees
The Free Software Foundation Europe is a charity that empowers users to control technology. The FSFE helps individuals and organisations to understand how Free Software contributes to freedom, transparency, and self-determination. It enhances users' rights by abolishing barriers to Free Software adoption, encouraging people to use and develop Free Software, and providing resources to enable everyone to further promote Free Software in Europe.
NGI0 support service: FSFE is a partner in the NGI0 and OIS coalitions and offers copyright compliance and license due diligence support to NGI Zero and OIS grantees. They advise on best practices copyrights and license compliance, offer assistance with tooling & creation of SPDX headers, and can assist with legal strategy on emerging copyright issues. Don't hesitate to request FSFE's support!
