Elon Musk Sued for Using AI-Generated Images from Blade Runner at Robotaxi Event.
One of the production studios behind Blade Runner 2049 has decided to sue Elon Musk for copyright infringement.
A recent incident has led Alcon Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based production company involved in the making of Blade Runner 2049, to file a lawsuit against Tesla, Elon Musk, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The controversy arises following the presentation of autonomous vehicles at Tesla's We, Robot event, where it is alleged that an AI-based image generator was used to create promotional art resembling stills from the 2017 science fiction film.
According to Alcon, a request to use images from Blade Runner 2049 was submitted by WBD and Tesla on October 10, just hours before the event at the Warner Bros. lot in California. Although Warner Bros. holds certain licensing rights to the film, Alcon asserts that because the event was to be livestreamed internationally, permission to use the images should have been obtained directly from them. Upon learning of this request, Alcon's legal and licensing departments sent a firm rejection to avoid any misunderstandings during the event's celebration.
Alcon's legal document states that any prudent company considering a partnership with Tesla should take into account Musk's political and often erratic behavior, which sometimes resembles hate speech. For this reason, the producer did not want Blade Runner 2049 to be associated with Musk, Tesla, or any business linked to him.
Despite the refusal, it is alleged that Tesla used an image generator to create a montage displayed during the We, Robot presentation. During this event, Musk referenced the Blade Runner franchise while discussing visions of a sci-fi future, as an image of a man in a long coat stood in front of an apocalyptic urban landscape was projected.
Alcon also claims it was not informed about the necessary agreements between Tesla and WBD that would enable the We, Robot event. According to the production company, this agreement not only allowed Tesla to use the Warner Bros. lot and equipment, but likely also included a promotional element allowing Tesla to associate the Cybercab with one of the studio's film catalog.
While the lawsuit does not specify a concrete figure in damages, Alcon emphasizes its belief that Musk, Tesla, and WBD were aware of the unauthorized use of the image and the inappropriate purpose behind it, supporting this wrongful action.