Stable Diffusion developer says artists using its tools are creating works that stem from collective human knowledge
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Image: Pavel Danilyuk via Pexels
An important court case that could have major implications for copyright in the AI era starts at the High Court in London on Monday. Image bank Getty Images is suing artificial intelligence company Stability AI for alleged copyright infringement. The case could set legal precedents for the use of copyrighted material in training AI models.
Getty Images, known for its extensive range of editorial and stock images, alleged that Stability AI used millions of images from its website without permission to train the image generation system Stable Diffusion. This tool allows users to create realistic images based on text commands. At the same time, Getty is also pursuing a similar lawsuit against the AI company in the United States.
Stability AI, which recently received an investment from advertising giant WPP, denies the allegations. According to the company, there is no copyright infringement. A spokesman calls the dispute “a battle for innovation and freedom of ideas”. He stresses that users of their tools create art based on collective human knowledge – a principle they say fits within ‘fair use’ and freedom of expression.
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The case is part of a broader series of lawsuits filed worldwide since the rise of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney. More and more companies in the creative sector are questioning whether their material can simply be used for AI training without compensation or permission.
The creative industry, meanwhile, is grappling with the ethical and legal impact of AI technology that can generate its own content. Artists and celebrities, including Elton John, are calling for better protection for creators against unauthorised use of their work.
Legal experts are following the case with great interest. Rebecca Newman, an attorney at Addleshaw Goddard, called it “uncharted territory”. She said the case could help define the limits of copyright protection in the AI era. If Getty wins, she said it could encourage other lawsuits against AI developers.
Cerys Wyn Davies of law firm Pinsent Masons adds that the ruling could also affect the investment climate. According to her, it could determine whether the UK remains attractive as a location for AI companies.
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