Disney and NBCUniversal have sued AI company Midjourney. This is the first time major Hollywood studios have taken legal action against a generative AI company. They filed the lawsuit on Wednesday.

The studios are saying that Midjourney stole their work. They say the AI company took Disney and Universal films and shows to train their image generator, which allows Midjourney to use copies of copyrighted characters without permission.

The lawsuit mentions characters from Star Wars, The Simpsons, and other popular franchises, all owned by Disney and Universal. Disney and Universal included dozens of example images, such as Yoda, WALL-E, Deadpool, Iron Man, Lightning McQueen, Aladdin, Spider-Man, Groot, Elsa from Frozen, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. The studios have said Midjourney makes money from offering the ability to create new, AI-art versions of those characters.

Image: The Verge

“Piracy is piracy,” the studios said in their legal filing.

They also are seeking damages from Midjourney, but did not divulge how much they are seeking.

Midjourney started in 2021. Users submit text prompts to the AI, and the AI generates images to match that text. Midjourney generates money by providing paid subscriptions.

This case could change the way AI companies operate. Many AI companies today build their systems by using existing movies, T.V. shows and other content. The studios are claiming that this is theft. The AI firms are claiming this is fair use.

Future Outlook of Midjourney Infringement case

The lawsuit might create new conditions for the entire AI industry. It could require AI companies to pay for the content that they used. Or it could require them to seek permission first.

The case looks like it will be resolved over months or years. But it is at least a turning point in the battle between Hollywood and artificial intelligence companies.