Warner Bros. has filed a lawsuit against AI startup Midjourney, claiming copyright infringement for allowing users to generate iconic characters such as Superman, Batman, and Bugs Bunny without obtaining permission. The lawsuit was officially lodged in a California federal court on Friday, September 5, 2025.
The entertainment giant alleges that Midjourney"s platform facilitates the unauthorized creation of artwork featuring its well-known characters, which Warner Bros. argues dilutes its brand and violates intellectual property rights. The suit seeks both monetary damages and an injunction to prevent further use of its characters on the platform.
This legal action highlights ongoing concerns in the entertainment industry regarding the implications of artificial intelligence on intellectual property. As previously reported, the rise of AI-generated content has prompted various companies to reassess their copyright strategies and protections.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how AI technologies interact with established intellectual property laws. Warner Bros. is poised to argue that the unauthorized use of its characters not only affects its revenue but also undermines the integrity of its creative properties. The case is expected to draw attention from both the tech and entertainment sectors as it unfolds.