Ownership is still unsettled
In most jurisdictions, purely AI-generated images cannot be copyrighted because they lack human authorship. This means you generally cannot claim exclusive ownership of a raw AI image, though modifications and arrangements you create may be protected.
Tool-specific terms matter
Each platform has its own terms. Paid Midjourney and DALL·E plans generally grant commercial use rights. Free tiers often restrict commercial use or require attribution. Always read the current terms for the specific tool.
Avoid trademarked content
Prompting an AI to generate images containing recognizable logos, characters, or brands can create trademark issues. Keep prompts generic for commercial work.
Practical advice
For client work, use paid plans that clearly grant commercial rights, keep your prompts and generations documented, and add your own creative modifications to strengthen any copyright claim.