Disney and Universal Take Legal Action Against Midjourney for AI Copyright Violation

Disney and Universal Pictures have teamed up to sue Midjourney, an AI startup, for mass copyright infringement. The studios allege that Midjourney generated countless AI images resembling their iconic characters, such as Yoda and Shrek, without permission or payment. Filed in federal court, the lawsuit accuses Midjourney of constructing its business model on unauthorized use of valuable intellectual property. Disney’s legal executive emphasized that piracy, even when done by an AI company, remains infringement. Midjourney, founded in 2021, has faced criticism for scraping the internet for training data without artist consent, claiming that tracking the origin of a hundred million images is impractical. This case highlights the ongoing conflict between AI companies and content creators, as numerous lawsuits emerge over unauthorized use of copyrighted material. As AI tools evolve, concerns grow regarding their impact on creative labor and copyright law, raising questions about responsible innovation in the digital age.

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