AI startup Artisan has reached an agreement with webcomic artist KC Green following a dispute over the unauthorized use of his popular "This is fine" meme in company advertisements.

The controversy arose when Artisan used Green's widely recognized illustration of a dog sitting in a burning room, originally created for his webcomic Gunshow, in promotional materials without obtaining proper licensing or permission from the artist.

Green's "This is fine" meme, which first appeared in 2013, has become one of the internet's most enduring images for expressing resignation in the face of chaos or problematic situations. The comic panel shows an anthropomorphic dog calmly drinking coffee while flames engulf the room around him.

Following the agreement between the parties, Artisan has reportedly removed the advertisements featuring Green's artwork. The specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed by either party.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges artists face regarding intellectual property rights in the digital age, particularly as AI companies increasingly use existing creative works in their marketing and development processes. Many creators have expressed concerns about unauthorized use of their content by technology companies.

Artisan specializes in AI-powered automation tools for businesses, though the company has not publicly commented on the details of the resolution with Green.