Hollywood’s Warner Bros. Discovery challenge an AI firm over copyright claims
By joining Disney and Universal in legal action, Warner Bros. Discovery increases the likelihood of a landmark decision on AI and intellectual property.
Warner Bros. Discovery has filed a lawsuit against AI company Midjourney, accusing it of large-scale infringement of its intellectual property. The move follows similar actions by Disney and Universal, signalling growing pressure from major studios on AI image and video generators.
The filing includes examples of Midjourney-produced images featuring DC Comics, Looney Tunes and Rick and Morty characters. Warner Bros. Discovery argues that such output undermines its business model, which relies heavily on licensed images and merchandise.
The studio also claims Midjourney profits from copyright-protected works through its subscription services and the ‘Midjourney TV’ platform.
A central question in the case is whether AI-generated material reproducing copyrighted characters constitutes infringement under US law. The courts have not decided on this issue, making the outcome uncertain.
Warner Bros. Discovery is also challenging how Midjourney trains its models, pointing to past statements from company executives suggesting vast quantities of material were indiscriminately collected to build its systems.
With three major Hollywood studios now pursuing lawsuits, the outcome of these cases could establish a precedent for how courts treat AI-generated content.
Warner Bros. Discovery seeks damages that could reach $150,000 per infringed work, or Midjourney’s profits linked to the alleged violations.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
