Midjourney Demands Disney, Universal and Warner Bros. Reveal Their Own AI Usage
As part of an ongoing legal dispute with three major Hollywood studios, AI startup Midjourney is seeking to compel Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. to disclose how they use artificial intelligence in their own creative workflows.
Hollywood Studios Accuse Midjourney of Copyright Infringement
Disney and Universal filed a lawsuit against Midjourney last year, alleging that the company's AI image-generation models can create copyrighted characters such as Bart Simpson and Darth Vader without authorization.
A few months later, Warner Bros. also joined the legal action, expanding the copyright dispute against the AI startup.
Midjourney Says AI Training Falls Under Fair Use
Midjourney maintains that training its artificial intelligence models using publicly available images—including copyrighted works—is protected under the doctrine of fair use.
The company argues that its technology is legally permissible and does not constitute copyright infringement.
Discovery Dispute Centers on Studios' Internal AI Projects
The latest disagreement focuses on the discovery phase of the lawsuit and the types of documents the Hollywood studios must provide.
A judge previously ruled that the studios only need to disclose information relating to generative AI projects that resulted in consumer-facing images or videos.
Midjourney Wants Broader Access to AI Documents
In its latest court filing, Midjourney argues that limiting disclosure to consumer-facing projects is unfair.
According to the company, the restriction allows the studios to "cherry-pick only those documents they believe support their market harm claims while depriving Midjourney of documents that would support its defenses."
The AI startup is asking the court to require broader disclosure of the studios' AI-related activities.
AI Startup Claims Studios May Be Using Similar Training Methods
Midjourney argues that the withheld documents could reveal whether the studios themselves are developing AI tools using copyrighted material.
The company says that if studios are training internal image-generation models for purposes such as storyboarding or developing concepts for films and television, it would demonstrate that similar practices are common across the entertainment industry.
Midjourney argues that the studios may be "doing exactly what they are suing Midjourney for doing."
Company Also Seeks Complete Prompt and Output Records
Beyond internal AI development documents, Midjourney is requesting that Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. disclose every prompt they entered into Midjourney, along with every image generated—not only those selected as evidence of alleged infringement.
The startup believes the complete records are necessary to fairly evaluate the claims made against it.
Studios Call Midjourney's Request a 'Fishing Expedition'
The studios' lead attorney, David Singer, has criticized Midjourney's request, describing it as a "fishing expedition."
According to Singer, the studios are not attempting to halt AI innovation or shut down Midjourney's business.
Studios Say They Only Want Copyright Protection
The studios maintain that their lawsuit is focused solely on preventing unauthorized use of their copyrighted works.
They argue that Midjourney should stop copying films, television content, and iconic characters, as well as cease distributing, displaying, performing, or creating derivative works based on copyrighted intellectual property without permission.
What the Legal Battle Means for the Future of Generative AI
The outcome of this case could become one of the most significant legal precedents governing how generative AI companies train their models and how copyright law applies to artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.
The court's decision may influence future AI litigation involving technology companies, content creators, publishers, and media studios around the world.