Disney and Universal have initiated a 110-page lawsuit against AI startup Midjourney for copyright infringement, claiming the AI image generator unlawfully uses their copyrighted materials. The two companies label Midjourney as a “copyright-free-rider,” accusing it of “piracy” for using their intellectual property to train its software that produces images featuring iconic characters like Darth Vader and Shrek. This legal action, filed in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, marks a pivotal moment as the first major Hollywood studios to confront the generative AI sector. Disney’s general counsel expressed optimism about AI’s potential but stressed that copyright infringement, regardless of the source, remains unacceptable. NBCUniversal echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of protecting artists’ creative work. The escalating legal battle signals broader concerns within the industry about AI’s impact on intellectual property rights, highlighting the urgent need for accountability among AI companies.
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