Warner Bros. is suing AI startup Midjourney for copyright infringement. This claims that users can generate images and videos of characters such as Superman, Batman, and Bugs Bunny without permission.
As first reported by Reuters, Warner Bros. says Midi Joanie is intentionally engaged in torts and previously restricted subscribers from generating content based on image infringement, but has recently lifted protections on them.
“Midjourney has made a calculated, profit-driven decision to provide zero protection to copyright holders despite Midjourney knowing the breathtaking scope of copyright and piracy,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, a return of benefits obtained from the alleged infringement, and a suspension of further violations.
The Warner Bros. ‘Lawsuit follows a similar lawsuit filed against the Mid Journey in June by Walt Disney and Universal due to copyright infringement involving characters such as Darth Vader, Burt Simpson and Shrek. In this case, Midjourney argues that using these works to train generative AI models is legal under the doctrine of fair use of US copyright law.
Midjourney did not respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment.
