Understanding AI Model Licensing: Commercial Use Explained

Can you use AI-generated images commercially? What about for client work? The licensing landscape is confusing. Let's clear it up.

The Licensing Landscape

AI models fall into several licensing categories:

1. Fully Open Source (Apache 2.0, MIT)

Examples: Some Stable Diffusion variants

What you can do:

What you can't do:

2. Open Weights with Restrictions

Examples: FLUX.1 [dev], Stable Diffusion (some versions)

What you can do:

What you can't do:

3. Commercial API Only

Examples: DALL-E 3, Midjourney

What you can do:

What you can't do:

Model-by-Model Breakdown

FLUX Models

Stable Diffusion Family

OpenAI Models

What "Commercial Use" Actually Means

Clearly Commercial

Gray Areas

Usually Not Commercial

Abstrakt's Licensing Position

When you use Abstrakt, licensing works like this:

You → Abstrakt API → Provider API → Model

Your rights depend on:
1. Your agreement with Abstrakt (our Terms)
2. The underlying model's license
3. The provider's terms

What We Guarantee

1. Clear documentation — We indicate licensing for each model

2. Commercial-safe defaults — Featured models are commercial-ready

3. Indemnification — Enterprise plans include licensing protection

What You Need to Verify

1. Your specific use case — Some industries have additional rules

2. Output modifications — Significantly altered works may have different status

3. Jurisdiction — Laws vary by country

Practical Compliance Guide

Step 1: Check Before You Generate

// Get model licensing info
const model = await abstrakt.models.get('flux-dev');

console.log(model.licensing);
// {
//   commercial: true,
//   attribution: "Required",
//   restrictions: ["No illegal content", "No deepfakes"],
//   license: "FLUX.1-dev",
//   licenseUrl: "https://..."
// }

Step 2: Keep Records

// Log generation details for compliance
const result = await abstrakt.run('flux-dev', { prompt });

await complianceLog.save({
  generationId: result.id,
  model: 'flux-dev',
  prompt: prompt,
  timestamp: new Date(),
  license: 'FLUX.1-dev',
  intendedUse: 'marketing-materials',
  attribution: 'Created with FLUX.1-dev via Abstrakt'
});

Step 3: Add Attribution When Required

<!-- Example attribution -->
<img src="generated-image.jpg" alt="Product visualization" />
<small>Image created with FLUX.1-dev</small>

Step 4: Review Before Publishing

Create a checklist:

Common Questions

"Can I use AI images for client work?"

Yes, generally. When using Abstrakt with commercial-licensed models, you can deliver AI-generated content to clients. Best practice: disclose that AI was used.

"Do I own the copyright on AI-generated images?"

It's complicated. In many jurisdictions, AI-generated content may not be copyrightable. You have usage rights per the license, but "ownership" in the traditional sense is legally unclear.

"Can I sell AI-generated art?"

Yes, with the right models. Use commercially-licensed models. Some platforms (stock sites, marketplaces) have specific policies—check their terms.

"What about AI-generated content of real people?"

Generally not allowed. Most model licenses prohibit generating non-consensual imagery of real people. Even with permissive licenses, this creates legal liability.

"Can I train models on AI-generated outputs?"

Check the specific license. Some licenses explicitly prohibit this. Others allow it with restrictions.

When to Get Legal Advice

Consult an attorney if:

Staying Updated

AI licensing is evolving rapidly. We recommend:

1. Subscribe to our updates — We notify when licensing changes

2. Review terms quarterly — Licenses can be updated

3. Document everything — Keep records of what you generate and why

Abstrakt's Commitment

We're committed to making AI licensing clear:

Questions about licensing for your use case? Contact legal@abstrakt.one.