Summary:
Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. are suing Chinese AI startup MiniMax for alleged copyright infringement of iconic characters.
MiniMax, valued at $3 billion, uses generative AI in apps like Hailuo AI to create images and videos with copyrighted content without permission.
The lawsuit claims MiniMax markets itself as a 'Hollywood studio in your pocket' while building its business on stolen intellectual property.
This is part of a broader legal effort by Hollywood against AI companies, including previous suits against Midjourney, to protect creative works and the industry's economic impact.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between AI innovation and copyright law, with potential implications for startups in the generative AI space.
Major Studios Accuse MiniMax of Intellectual Property Piracy
Walt Disney Co., Comcast Corp.'s Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. have filed a lawsuit against Chinese artificial intelligence startup MiniMax, alleging the company has pirated their intellectual property. The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California, claims MiniMax 'completely disregards US copyright law' by using copyrighted characters without permission.
MiniMax: A Rising AI Powerhouse
Founded in 2021 and based in Shanghai, MiniMax has developed several generative AI models that power apps like Hailuo AI (a video and image editor) and Talkie (a chatbot competing with Character.AI). Valued at approximately $3 billion, MiniMax is considered one of China's 'AI Dragons' and is reportedly planning a public listing as early as this year.
Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit highlights that MiniMax markets Hailuo AI as a 'Hollywood studio in your pocket,' which the plaintiffs call 'audacious' given the alleged use of stolen intellectual property. Subscribers can generate high-quality images and videos featuring iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Superman, Darth Vader, Shrek, Buzz Lightyear, and Bugs Bunny through text prompts. These outputs often include MiniMax and Hailuo branding, and the company uses these copyrighted elements to advertise its services to US customers.
Broader Context in the AI Industry
This legal action is part of a larger trend where Hollywood studios are aggressively targeting AI companies for copyright infringement. In June, Disney and Universal sued Midjourney Inc., and earlier this month, Warner Bros. filed a separate suit against Midjourney. The studios argue that such practices not only seek compensation but also represent a cultural attack on the creative community and a threat to the American motion picture industry, which contributes over $260 billion to the economy and supports millions of jobs.
MiniMax's Response and Legal Proceedings
A representative for MiniMax did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The plaintiffs claim they have asked MiniMax to cease using their works without permission and to implement protective measures, but to no avail. The case is officially listed as Disney v. MiniMax, 25-cv-08768, in the US District Court, Central District of California (Los Angeles).
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