Getty Images Sues Stability AI for Copyright Infringement Over 12 Million Photos
Getty Images has filed a lawsuit against Stability AI, the company behind Stable Diffusion, alleging the unauthorized use of 12 million copyrighted images to train its AI model. The complaint, filed in Delaware federal court, accuses Stability AI of "brazen infringement of Getty Images' intellectual property on a staggering scale" and seeks damages for copying images without permission or compensation. This legal action follows a similar suit by three artists against Stability AI and other AI companies. Getty Images argues that Stability AI intentionally scraped its photos, sometimes including blurred watermarks, and notes that Getty had previously licensed images to other AI generators. The case highlights a legal vacuum regarding copyright and AI training, with experts suggesting Getty's commercial focus may strengthen its position. The outcome, which could take years, remains uncertain. Getty is also exploring legal action in the UK.
Key facts
- Getty Images filed a lawsuit against Stability AI in Delaware federal court.
- Stability AI allegedly copied 12 million Getty Images photos without permission.
- The lawsuit claims 'brazen infringement of intellectual property on a staggering scale'.
- Getty had previously licensed images to other AI generators.
- Stability AI's Stable Diffusion was trained on copyrighted Getty photos.
- The case follows a similar lawsuit by three artists against Stability AI.
- Legal experts say Getty's commercial focus may strengthen its case.
- Getty is also considering legal action in the UK.
- The legal outcome is unpredictable and may take years.
- The case underscores a legal vacuum on copyright and AI training.
Entities
Institutions
- Getty Images
- Stability AI
- The Verge
Locations
- Delaware
- United States
- United Kingdom