Artists' Copyright Lawsuit Against AI Platforms Advances to Discovery Stage
Aug/27/2024
The class action lawsuit filed by prominent visual artists against AI image and video generation platforms—including Stability AI, Midjourney, Runway, and DeviantArt—has progressed to the discovery phase. Initiated to address allegations of copyright infringement due to the unauthorized use of artists' work in training AI models, the lawsuit now requires both sides to reveal pertinent information related to AI training processes and datasets. This legal battle, featuring artists like Sarah Andersen and Kelly McKernan, is a landmark case that may set precedents for future disputes involving AI and intellectual property. Despite some claims being dismissed, the core accusation of copyright infringement remains intact. The plaintiffs, including McKernan, view the ongoing process as crucial for uncovering whether AI platforms have improperly utilized their art. The case, which could reshape how AI companies handle artistic content, faces a lengthy journey through the legal system. The tag cloud below highlights the pending and registered US trademarks associated with Stability AI, Midjourney, Runway, and DeviantArt, illustrating the scope and diversity of their intellectual property interests in various classes.
