Getty Images has launched a major copyright lawsuit against artificial intelligence firm Stability AI at London’s High Court, in a case expected to set a precedent for AI-related copyright law. The image licensing giant accuses the AI company of illegally using millions of its copyrighted photos to train its image-generating model, Stable Diffusion.
The Seattle-based Getty alleges Stability AI scraped content from its website without permission to develop its AI, which can create visuals from text prompts. A similar lawsuit is also underway in the United States. Stability AI, which has secured significant funding, including a recent investment from advertising giant WPP, denies all allegations of infringement.
A spokesperson for Stability AI framed the dispute as a broader debate over innovation and expression, stating that AI-generated content draws on “collective human knowledge” and falls under fair use principles.
The outcome of this case could shape how AI developers use copyrighted material and inform future copyright laws. Legal experts say the UK case enters uncharted territory and could influence global market practices. Rebecca Newman of Addleshaw Goddard, not involved in the case, called it “pivotal” for defining the limits of copyright in the AI era. Cerys Wyn Davies of Pinsent Masons added that the ruling could impact the UK’s position as a hub for AI innovation.
This lawsuit is among several emerging globally as artists and rights holders challenge how generative AI systems are trained. The case’s result could spark more litigation and influence policymaking around copyright and artificial intelligence, especially as creative industries demand stronger protections in the face of evolving AI technologies.