TLDR: Japanese toy and hobby giant Bandai has released an official statement warning against the use and public posting of AI-generated images that incorporate its corporate symbols, brand logos, and other registered trademarks. The company emphasizes that such images are not official products and their dissemination could lead to copyright or trademark infringement, potentially misleading consumers.
Japanese multinational toy and hobby manufacturer Bandai has issued a significant warning regarding the proliferation of AI-generated images that utilize its registered trademarks, including corporate symbols and brand logos. The statement, released around September 16-19, 2025, addresses a growing concern over content created by generative AI tools that depict figures and other items bearing Bandai’s intellectual property.
Bandai’s press release, titled ‘Caution on AI-Generated Images,’ explicitly states, ‘We are currently aware of cases where images of figures and other items bearing two corporate symbols, brand logos, and other registered trademarks are being generated and posted on social media using generative AI.’ The company clarified that these images are not official Bandai products and urged consumers to verify product authenticity through its official website.
Furthermore, Bandai issued a stern ‘Caution on Posting,’ advising users that ‘Depending on the generated image, posting it on social media may raise suspicions of copyright infringement or other illegal activities. Please exercise caution when posting.’ The company also requested that individuals ‘refrain from posting generated images in a way that could lead others to mistake them for our products.’ This warning highlights the potential legal ramifications for creators and sharers of such content.
The company’s statement appears to be a direct response to numerous inquiries received from fans and follows instances where AI-generated examples, including one posted by the official Google Gemini App X account, displayed markings strikingly similar to Bandai’s registered logos. These incidents have blurred the lines of intellectual property, prompting discussions about potential trademark infringement and unfair competition in the digital age.
In a slightly different but related statement, Bandai Namco Collectibles America Inc. also condemned the use of its brand, products, or logo in contexts that promote violence, further illustrating the company’s proactive stance on protecting its brand image and intellectual property.
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This development underscores the complex challenges that generative AI presents to intellectual property law and corporate branding. Bandai’s move serves as a crucial reminder for both AI users and consumers about the importance of respecting trademarks and copyrights in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-generated content.
