Getty Images has launched a high-stakes copyright infringement trial against Stability AI at the British High Court, marking one of the first major legal clashes involving generative AI and intellectual property. The trial, which began on Monday and could last three weeks, addresses allegations that Stability AI’s image-generation tool, Stable Diffusion, unlawfully used Getty’s vast photography collection to train its AI models.
Stability AI, a London-based firm, developed Stable Diffusion to create AI-generated artwork and photorealistic images, sparking widespread interest since its August 2022 release. Getty contends that this involved “brazen infringement” on an unprecedented scale, accusing Stability of using copyrighted images without permission. Getty’s legal team argues that licensing creative content is essential for AI innovation, opposing the “opt-out regime” that allows AI companies to use works without explicit consent or payment.
Getty’s lawyer emphasized the case as a clear enforcement of intellectual property rights, including copyright, trademark, and database protections. They criticized Stability’s indiscriminate data use, noting the company’s disregard for copyright status, watermarks, or content sensitivity. This trial represents a critical “day of reckoning” for how AI firms source training data.
Stability AI counters that the UK court lacks jurisdiction since the AI training occurred on servers operated by Amazon in the U.S., and argues that only a small fraction of AI-generated images resemble Getty’s works. The company warns that Getty’s claims threaten the entire generative AI industry’s business model.
Legal experts expect the trial’s outcome won’t immediately expand copyright exemptions for AI but could significantly influence global licensing negotiations between rights holders and AI developers. While similar U.S. cases remain unsettled, this UK trial could set key precedents affecting the future of AI innovation and intellectual property rights worldwide.
Stability AI’s journey has been turbulent, facing legal battles and internal changes, including the departure of its founding CEO and key researchers. The company recently secured fresh investment from notable figures such as Sean Parker and Hollywood director James Cameron, underscoring the high-profile nature of the generative AI sector.
Swifteradio.com
