In a groundbreaking case, Disney and Universal are suing the AI company Midjourney for copyright infringement. This lawsuit is notable because it’s the first major legal action from Hollywood against AI technology, following a trend where other companies have taken legal steps against AI firms.
The lawsuit, filed in a U.S. district court in Los Angeles, claims that Midjourney used copyrighted works to train its AI without permission. In their 110-page document, they allege that the AI generates unauthorized versions of beloved characters like Homer Simpson, Shrek, and Darth Vader.
Midjourney, which boasts around 20 million registered users, is described as a virtual “vending machine” for images, creating countless copies of these characters. While many companies have contested AI rights previously, including The New York Times and Getty Images, the involvement of major entertainment studios highlights growing concern over protecting intellectual property in this evolving landscape.
The companies are seeking damages and want to prevent Midjourney from launching an upcoming video service without proper copyright measures.
According to a recent survey by the American Bar Association, 57% of legal professionals believe that traditional copyright laws are inadequate for handling AI-generated content. This case may set a precedent for how copyright laws adapt in the age of AI.
Although Midjourney has not responded to requests for comment, this lawsuit raises important questions about ownership and creativity in the digital age. As technology advances, we must consider how to protect original works while navigating new tools that challenge traditional boundaries.
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