Generative AI is a comparatively nascent domain, and its training data is frequently a topic of contention, with a major legal dispute currently occurring in the UK involving Getty Images and Stability AI. In January 2023, Getty Images initiated legal action against Stability AI, alleging that the firm utilized its copyrighted images to train AI models without authorization, thereby breaching copyright regulations. Getty contended that Stability AI replicated and handled “millions of images safeguarded by copyright and the associated metadata owned or represented by Getty Images without a license to further Stability AI’s commercial objectives and to the detriment of the content creators,” as stated in a press release.
Getty Images emphasized that it has provided licenses to various technology companies for the use of its images in training AI systems in a manner that honors personal and intellectual property rights. However, Getty accused Stability AI of not pursuing a license and disregarding viable licensing alternatives and legal safeguards for its commercial interests.
In reply, Stability AI informed Out-Law that it regards the issue with gravity and became aware of the lawsuit via the media. On June 9, London’s High Court commenced hearings on the case. Getty has also filed a comparable lawsuit against Stability AI in the U.S., although it has not yet been adjudicated.
Stability contends that the training did not occur within the UK and asserts that the AI-generated visuals do not utilize Getty’s copyrighted works, as reported by Hack Read. The Associated Press mentioned Stability’s claim that only a “tiny portion” of the outputs from its image generator bear resemblance to Getty images.
According to Reuters, a representative from Stability AI remarked prior to the trial that the overarching issue pertains to technological innovation and the freedom of ideas. The representative stated, “Artists utilizing our tools are creating works founded upon collective human knowledge, which is central to fair use and freedom of expression.”
Stability AI attorney Hugo Cuddingan claimed that Getty’s lawsuit poses a threat to the wider generative AI sector, while Getty’s attorneys underscored that the matter revolves around copyright law, not AI. Getty’s lawyer Lindsay Lane conveyed to the court, “This is not a conflict between creatives and technology, where a victory for Getty Images signifies the demise of AI,” adding that both sectors can coexist beneficially because copyright works and database rights are essential for AI’s progression and success. The conflict arises when AI companies like Stability seek to use those works without compensation.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, the parent firm of Mashable, instituted a lawsuit against OpenAI in April, alleging it violated Ziff Davis copyrights in the training and operation of its AI systems.