Disney and Universal decided to jointly file a copyright lawsuit against Midjourney, an AI image-generator, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The studios accuse Midjourney of using and distributing unauthorized AI-generated images of iconic characters such as Darth Vader, Shrek, the Minions, Iron Man, among others.
Despite receiving cease-and-desist letters, Midjourney allegedly continued offering its services, including launching new versions of its image generator, which prompted Disney and Universal to seek legal action. The Plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction, damages (up to $150,000 per infringed work), protective measures, destruction of infringing content, and legal fees.
This is the first major lawsuit by Hollywood studios against an AI company over copyright. Its outcome could set a key precedent for how copyright law applies to AI-generated content.
