AI Copyright Infringement Trial Kicks Off for Getty in the UK
AI Courtroom Drama: Getty Images vs. Stability AI
In the realm of generative AI, copyright debates are hotter than ever, and the UK's legal system is about to make history, as Getty Images faces off against Stability AI in a high-stakes lawsuit. This thrilling showdown started back in January 2023, when Getty Images announced it was suing Stability AI, claiming the latter used its photos to train AI models without permission, violating copyright law.
In their press release at the time, Getty Images accused Stability AI of copying and processing "millions of images protected by copyright and the associated metadata owned or represented by Getty Images absent a license." They noted that they had provided licenses to other tech companies seeking to use their photos for AI training, but Stability AI didn't pursue a license with them.
Fast-forward to June 9, and the UK High Court is finally hearing the case. Getty has also filed a similar lawsuit against Stability AI in the U.S., but it's yet to make its way to the courts.
Stability AI, in response, argued that the training didn't take place in the UK and the images generated from the AI don't use Getty's copyrighted works. They also contend that a "tiny portion" of the outputs from their image-generator "look at all similar" to Getty images.
The trial is about more than just technological innovation—it's a dispute about the very essence of freedom of ideas. Stability AI's spokesperson said, "Artists using our tools are producing works built upon collective human knowledge, which is at the core of fair use and freedom of expression."
However, Getty's lawyers argue that this isn't about AI; it's about copyright law. "It is not a battle between creatives and technology, where a win for Getty Images means the end of AI," Getty's lawyer Lindsay Lane told the court, adding, "The two industries can exist in synergistic harmony because copyright works and database rights are critical to the advancement and success of AI."
As of mid-June 2025, the court case is still ongoing, with no final verdict yet publicly available. The trial is addressing complex issues related to copyright infringement, trademark claims, and database rights in the context of AI training on copyrighted images.
It's a pivotal moment in the world of AI, setting a precedent for how AI companies can utilise copyrighted data while respecting the rights of content creators. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking case!
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Topics: Artificial Intelligence
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, our parent company, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April 2025, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
- The UK High Court is hearing a historic lawsuit involving Stability AI and Getty Images, a case centered around artificial intelligence and copyright law in the digital technology sector.
- Google, among other tech companies, has obtained licenses from Getty Images to use their photos for AI training, a practice Stability AI allegedly failed to follow, leading to the current courtroom drama.
- Stability AI's spokesperson has argued that the AI-generated outputs, though containing a small resemblance to Getty images, do not actually use copyrighted works, a claim Getty's lawyers dispute.
- As the trial progresses, the court is addressing complex legal issues related to copyright infringement, trademark claims, and database rights in the artificial-intelligence-driven technology landscape, setting a significant precedent for AI companies worldwide.
