Disney and Universal Sue Midjourney Over Copyright Infringement of Iconic Characters
Disney and Universal are suing AI firm Midjourney, alleging its image generator infringes on copyright by creating unauthorized copies of characters like Darth Vader and Elsa. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension in Hollywood over the use of AI and its implications on creativity. Experts suggest the case could be complex, taking into account fair use and terms of service.
In a legal showdown sending waves through Hollywood, Disney and Universal have slapped a lawsuit on AI company Midjourney. The studios assert that the firm’s image generator is little more than a “bottomless pit of plagiarism,” cranking out uncanny copies of beloved characters like Darth Vader, Elsa from Frozen, and Minions from Despicable Me. This has reignited the ongoing tug-of-war in the entertainment industry over the use of artificial intelligence, balancing potential with fears of creative theft.
The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Los Angeles, highlighting Midjourney’s practice of producing new images based on typed prompts. The studios unpacked their argument by featuring examples of generated images that closely replicate characters—including Yoda from Star Wars and iconic Marvel superheroes like Spiderman and Iron Man. Disney’s chief legal officer, Horacio Gutierrez, expressed cautious optimism about AI’s role in creativity but firmly placed a spotlight on the infringement issue: “But piracy is piracy, and the fact that it’s done by an AI company does not make it any less infringing.”
In the complaint, Disney and Universal made the staggering claim that Midjourney bagged $300 million last year and is prepping to launch yet another ambitious video service soon. Legal experts are weighing in, too. Shubha Ghosh, a law professor from Syracuse University, pointed out a troubling trend: “A lot of the images that Midjourney produces just seem to be copies of copyright characters.” He further elaborated that these creations don’t come across as imaginative. Essentially, they lack that creative twist copyright law usually deems valuable.
Meanwhile, Randy McCarthy, head of the IP Law Group at Hall Estill, reminded us that “no litigation is ever a slam dunk.” He indicated that the case could take some twists and turns, primarily focusing on Midjourney’s terms of service and considerations of fair use. As of now, Midjourney hasn’t returned requests for comment from media outlets.
Located in San Francisco, Midjourney prides itself on being a lean operation, staffed by a self-funded team of fewer than a dozen. David Holz, the mind behind the startup, previously founded Leap Motion, bringing a tech-savvy edge to the AI space. The company also boasts seasoned advisors like Nat Friedman, former CEO of GitHub, and Philip Rosedale, the brain behind Second Life.
Hollywood remains split on AI—recognizing both the perks and pitfalls. Just two years back, actor and writer strikes were aimed at securing protections against emerging tech. Fast forward to today, and AI is creeping its way into films, TV, and gaming more than ever. This year alone, films vying for Oscars have utilized AI to manipulate voices, while technology has made it possible to de-age actors like Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford.
The lawsuit by Disney and Universal against Midjourney reflects the entertainment industry’s struggle to embrace AI while trying to safeguard its creative output from potential copyright infringement. As AI tools become integrated into Hollywood, balancing innovation and protection gets trickier. The outcome of this case could shape future interactions between technology and creativity, marking a crucial point in an evolving narrative. The stakes are high, and the implications of this legal battle are bound to resonate throughout the industry. Will Hollywood find a way to coexist with AI, or will it enforce stringent boundaries? Time will tell.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
