Detroit Free Press (newspaper)
Detroit daily newspaper owned by USA Today Co.
Reporting on Michigan since 1831, the Detroit Free Press combines a Detroit newsroom with statewide coverage. It publishes in print and at Freep.com within USA Today Co.'s newspaper group.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026
How will the OpenAI lawsuit affect licensing of Detroit Free Press reporting?
Timeline for Detroit Free Press (newspaper)
USA Today Co. sues OpenAI, not Microsoft
Media's AI PivotBackground
The Detroit Free Press grew from a newspaper founded in 1831 into a daily serving Detroit and the wider state of Michigan. Its reporting covers the state's business and political life, alongside sport, culture and community news. It also publishes investigative reporting. Readers encounter that work in the printed newspaper and through Freep.com. [Publisher's account of the newspaper](https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/legaldocs/movarymwypa/USA%20TODAY%20OPENAI%20COPYRIGHT%20lawsuit.pdf).
The title belongs to USA Today Co., the newspaper group previously called Gannett. Detroit Free Press, Inc. is the Michigan corporation identified as holding copyright in its newspaper and website material. The newsroom's local identity therefore sits within a larger publishing business, while its own reporting remains tied to Detroit and Michigan. [Ownership and copyright details](https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/legaldocs/movarymwypa/USA%20TODAY%20OPENAI%20COPYRIGHT%20lawsuit.pdf).
What is the Detroit Free Press?
Why is the Detroit Free Press involved in the OpenAI lawsuit?
Who owns the Detroit Free Press copyrights named in the case?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.