UK High Court Rules in Favor of Stability AI in Copyright Dispute

UK High Court Sides with Stability AI Over Getty in Copyright Case

Stability AI has notably emerged victorious in its ongoing legal battle against Getty Images, as a recent ruling from the UK High Court confirmed the company’s stance on copyright issues. The case began in 2023 when Getty accused Stability AI of using its copyrighted images to train its Stable Diffusion AI art generator without permission. According to reports from The Guardian, Getty’s claims centered on allegations that millions of protected images were unlawfully copied for training purposes.

During the trial, Getty ultimately retracted its primary accusations of copyright infringement, citing an inability to provide evidence that unauthorized copying occurred within the UK. This significant shift in tactics led to a focus on claims of secondary infringement. Justice Joanna Smith, presiding over the case, ruled that an AI model like Stable Diffusion, which does not replicate copyrighted works, does not qualify as an “infringing copy” under UK law.

Although the court acknowledged the presence of Getty’s watermark on some AI-generated outputs, it noted this evidence was limited and historic. Nevertheless, Getty celebrated a partial victory, asserting that Stability AI included Getty’s trademarks in AI-generated content, thus violating trademark rights. The company stressed that responsibility lies with the model provider, emphasizing the need for clear legal standards to protect intellectual property.

Meanwhile, Stability AI’s general counsel remarked that the ruling should provide clarity on copyright concerns central to the case. Just days prior to this outcome, Getty announced a new agreement with Perplexity AI, allowing access to its extensive media library under more transparent licensing terms, which could be crucial in navigating future copyright challenges.

As discussions around AI-generated content and copyright continue to evolve, the ruling serves as a pivotal moment for both companies and creators. What are your thoughts on the implications of AI in copyright? Share your comments below!