Getty vs. Stability AI

Getty Images' copyright lawsuit against Stability AI has commenced in London's High Court. The case revolves around Stability AI's alleged use of Getty's images to train its Stable Diffusion system. Getty claims Stability AI unlawfully scraped millions of images from its websites, infringing on copyright. Stability AI denies these allegations, asserting its AI tools promote innovation and adhere to fair use principles. The outcome of this trial could set a significant precedent for AI copyright law in the UK and globally, influencing how copyright protections apply to generative AI training and output. The suit is one of several globally addressing the use of copyright-protected material to train AI models.

Getty Images believes that Stability AI used as many as 12 million of its copyrighted photos to train the AI image generator Stable Diffusion. Getty is seeking $150,000 per infringement. Stability AI refutes the claims, arguing that its AI tools draw on collective human knowledge and comply with fair use and freedom of expression principles. Stability AI has garnered substantial funding, including support from advertising firm WPP.

Legal experts suggest the outcome could significantly affect copyright protections and government policies. Recent legal decisions indicate courts may be increasingly receptive to copyright holders' claims against AI companies, creating momentum that could influence the Getty case.