Warner Bros. is suing AI startup Midjourney for copyright infringement, alleging that the corporate permits customers to generate photos and movies of characters like Superman, Batman, and Bugs Bunny with out permission.
As first reported by Reuters, Warner Bros. says that Midjourney knowingly engaged in wrongful conduct, noting that the corporate beforehand restricted subscribers from producing content material based mostly on infringing photos however just lately lifted these protections.
“Midjourney has made a calculated and profit-driven choice to supply zero safety for copyright house owners despite the fact that Midjourney is aware of in regards to the breathtaking scope of its piracy and copyright infringement,” the grievance reads.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, the return of any income earned from the alleged infringement, and a halt to additional violations.
Warner Bros.’ lawsuit follows an analogous one filed in June by Walt Disney and Common in opposition to Midjourney for copyright infringement involving characters corresponding to Darth Vader, Bart Simpson, Shrek, and others. On this case, Midjourney has argued that utilizing these works to coach generative AI fashions is authorized below the truthful use doctrine of U.S. copyright regulation.
Midjourney didn’t reply to TechCrunch’s request for remark.