A London-based artificial intelligence company, Stability AI, has claimed that a copyright and trademark infringement case brought by the global photography agency Getty Images in the high court in London represents an “overt threat” to the generative AI industry. Getty alleges Stability AI trained its image generation model, Stability Diffusion, on its vast database of copyrighted photographs, resulting in outputs with Getty Images watermarks and even child sexual abuse material. Stability AI denies the latter and is fighting the overall claim, stating Getty fears AI as an “existential threat” to its business. The case is part of a wider campaign by artists, writers, and musicians to protect their copyright from generative AI companies.
London AI firm says Getty copyright case poses ‘overt threat’ to industry
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A London-based artificial intelligence company, Stability AI, has claimed that a copyright and trademark infringement case brought by the global photography agency Getty Images in the high court in London represents an “overt threat” to the generative AI industry. Getty alleges Stability AI trained its image generation model, Stability Diffusion, on its vast database of copyrighted photographs, resulting in outputs with Getty Images watermarks and even child sexual abuse material. Stability AI denies the latter and is fighting the overall claim, stating Getty fears AI as an “existential threat” to its business. The case is part of a wider campaign by artists, writers, and musicians to protect their copyright from generative AI companies.
Trending- 1 Prior to lawsuit: Stability AI trained its image generation model, Stability Diffusion, on Getty's vast database of copyrighted photographs.
- 2 2025-06-09 (Monday): Getty's case against Stability AI reached the high court in London.
- 3 Trial scheduled to run for several weeks.
- Potential legal precedent for generative AI and copyright law
- Financial implications for both companies (Getty spending approximately £10m)
- Impact on the generative AI industry and its development
- Ongoing debate and legislative efforts regarding AI and copyright
What: Getty Images is suing Stability AI for copyright and trademark infringement, alleging the AI firm trained its image generation model on Getty's copyrighted photos and produced images with Getty watermarks. Getty also alleged that Stability AI trained its model on databases containing child sexual abuse material. Stability AI claims the lawsuit is an "overt threat" to the generative AI industry and that Getty fears AI. Stability AI denies the CSAM allegations.
When: The case reached the high court in London on Monday (June 9, 2025). The trial is scheduled to run for several weeks. Stability AI trained its model prior to the lawsuit. Getty's allegations relate to past actions.
Where: High Court in London, UK. Stability AI is a London-based company. Getty Images is a global photography agency. AI experts are being called to give evidence from the University of California, Berkeley (US) and the University of Freiberg (Germany).
Why: Getty Images alleges Stability AI used its copyrighted material without payment and infringed trademarks. Stability AI believes Getty fears the technology as an "existential threat" to its business. The case is part of a wider industry debate on copyright and generative AI.
How: Getty Images brought a copyright and trademark infringement case to the high court. Stability AI is fighting the claim. The trial will involve the disclosure of 78,000 pages of evidence and expert testimony.