This case involves 5 key legal issues related to AI copyright and training data usage.
Analysis Date: 2026-01-02
Discovery ongoing.
The core question is whether Stability AI's use of Getty Images' photographs for training its AI model constitutes fair use under copyright law. The dispute centers on whether the AI's outputs can be considered transformative, with Getty arguing that the use is commercial and harms the market for its images, while Stability AI contends that the use is transformative and does not harm the market. [8], [11], [12], [18]
The question of whether Stability AI's inclusion of Getty Images' trademarks in AI-generated outputs constitutes trademark infringement remains unresolved. The court ruled that the outputs infringed trademarks, but the extent of liability for Stability AI and the users of the AI remains a point of contention. [19], [20]
The implications of the court's ruling on the economic model for creators versus AI companies are significant. The ruling may affect how AI companies license content and compensate creators, with Getty advocating for stronger protections for copyright owners in light of the decision. [9], [13], [18]
The court's decision raises questions about the jurisdictional reach of UK copyright law in relation to international AI companies. The applicability of UK laws to Stability AI, which operates globally, is a contested issue that could have broader implications for international copyright enforcement. [10], [12], [16]