Walt Disney Co. and Universal Pictures have filed a significant lawsuit against Midjourney, an AI image generator, for copyright infringement in U.S. District Court, Los Angeles. This marks the first legal action by major studios regarding generative AI’s impact on intellectual property. The lawsuit alleges that Midjourney’s AI-generated images blatantly replicate iconic characters from franchises like “Star Wars,” Marvel, and “Despicable Me.” The studios argue that Midjourney acts as a “copyright free-rider,” promoting its service using copyrighted characters without permission. With a 110-page complaint showcasing over 30 examples, they assert that the AI’s outputs closely resemble original works, including characters like Yoda and Iron Man. Disney’s legal chief emphasized the importance of copyright law for protecting creators, while Comcast’s general counsel condemned the act of theft, regardless of technological advancements. This legal battle highlights ongoing concerns in Hollywood over AI’s potential for unauthorized use and intellectual property violations.
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