Copyright Claims on 'Backrooms' Creations Spark Debate Over Public Domain Meme

A24 is reportedly issuing copyright strikes against indie creators making Backrooms-themed work, despite the concept originating as a public internet meme not owned by any single entity, according to multiple reports. The film studio, known for distributing the upcoming Backrooms movie, has allegedly targeted artists on platforms like Redbubble with claims filed under "A24 Films LLC."

"A24 Films LLC has been filing bogus copyright claims on platforms like Redbubble against creators producing Backrooms-related works that are unrelated to A24's upcoming film adaptation."

kotakuA24 Reportedly Issuing Copyright Strikes Against Backrooms Indie Creators Over Public Domain Concept

A Reddit post on r/backrooms first flagged the removals, and Y105FM reported that a digital creator's Backrooms-inspired art was removed following a claim filed on behalf of A24. The studio's actions have sparked confusion because the Backrooms creepypasta predates A24's involvement and has been freely adapted by countless fans for years.

Y105FMDigital Creator’s ‘Backrooms’-Inspired Art Removed Following Claim on ‘Behalf of A24 Films’

Kotaku noted that A24's claims target works "unrelated" to its film, raising questions about whether a studio can assert ownership over a meme that originated as anonymous, collaborative fiction. The Backrooms concept, which imagines endless, decaying office spaces, was first posted on 4chan in 2019 and has since been expanded by a wide community of writers, artists, and game developers.

A24 has not publicly commented on the reports, but the controversy highlights a growing tension between corporate IP enforcement and the inherently communal nature of internet folklore. As Y105FM reported, at least one artist's piece was removed, signaling that A24 may be actively policing the very meme that helped generate buzz for its film.

"Multiple sources, including a Reddit post on r/backrooms, claim that 'A24 Films LLC' has been filing bogus copyright claims"

Whether these claims hold legal weight remains unclear, but for now, the Backrooms community is watching closely, concerned that a shared creative space is being fenced off by a single corporate player.