AI Lawsuit: Hollywood vs. Image Generator
- Disney and NBCUniversal have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Midjourney, an AI company specializing in image generation.
- The studios assert that Midjourney actively encourages copyright infringement.
- The complaint further alleges that Midjourney possesses technical measures to prevent outputs featuring copyrighted material but has chosen not to implement them.
Hollywood’s fight against AI intensifies as Disney and NBCUniversal sue Midjourney, alleging copyright infringement in its AI image generation processes. The studios are directly accusing Midjourney of promoting IP theft by allowing the creation of content that uses copyrighted characters. The lawsuit stems from the platform’s alleged disregard for technical measures to prevent outputs featuring protected material, a point underscored by Midjourney’s CEO admitting to using vast amounts of data to train its AI.News Directory 3 is reporting on Disney and NBCUniversal’s move to safeguard their intellectual property.This legal battle sets the stage for future disputes. Discover what’s next as AI image generation and copyright law collide.
Disney, NBCUniversal Sue Midjourney Over Copyright Infringement
Updated June 12, 2025
Disney and NBCUniversal have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Midjourney, an AI company specializing in image generation. The legal action, focusing on intellectual property theft and artificial intelligence, follows similar suits by news organizations and visual artists against AI firms.
The studios assert that Midjourney actively encourages copyright infringement. They claim the platform displays user-generated content featuring copyrighted characters in its “Explore” section, demonstrating Midjourney’s awareness of the issue.
The complaint further alleges that Midjourney possesses technical measures to prevent outputs featuring copyrighted material but has chosen not to implement them. The studios cite Midjourney CEO David Holz‘s admission that the company “pulls off all the data it can…for training purposes.”
Before filing suit, Disney and NBCUniversal reportedly attempted to resolve the issue with Midjourney. according to Axios, other AI platforms agreed to implement measures to prevent IP theft, but Midjourney continued releasing new versions of its image service.
“We are bringing this action today to protect the hard work of all the artists whose work entertains and inspires us and the important investment we make in our content,” said kim Harris, NBCUniversal’s executive vice president and general counsel.
This lawsuit marks a new phase in Hollywood’s battle over AI. While actors and writers have fought to protect their likenesses, studios are now challenging tech companies over intellectual property rights.Other major studios, including Amazon, Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Sony, and Warner Bros., are members of the Motion Picture Association alongside Disney and Worldwide.
What’s next
The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact the advancement and regulation of AI image generation and copyright law, potentially setting precedents for future disputes between content creators and AI companies.