That particular instance was more "using a public hint given by an expert" as a search path instead of theft. But, even when they say they don't (and sometimes they explicitly keep prompts/responses for future training), they have the power to steal. An alternative to investing in R&D companies with tokens, mentioned above, is AI labs creating their own R&D divisions and hiring researchers directly. But that requires them coming up with even more money they don't have.

Even at $6T (without my higher revision), it's actual proof of AI bubble popping unless military/surveillance state buys $4T in tokens.