Getty Images Sues Stability AI Over Alleged Copyright Breach

Getty Images has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Stability AI in London’s High Court, marking a pivotal moment for AI and intellectual property law. The case, set for June 2025, accuses Stability of using over 12 million copyrighted images without permission to train its Stable Diffusion model. Getty CEO Craig Peters calls it a blatant violation that threatens the creative economy.

Stability AI counters that its practices fall under fair use, igniting a global debate on AI’s reliance on copyrighted material. Parallel litigation is underway in the U.S., with outcomes poised to redefine boundaries for generative AI systems.

The clash underscores a widening rift between content creators and tech firms leveraging vast datasets. As AI advances, this case may set precedents for how intellectual property adapts to machine learning—or resists it.