Oct 22, 2024 11:58:00

Blade Runner 2049 maker Alcon Entertainment sues Tesla and Warner Bros.

Alcon Entertainment , the film production company, has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, Elon Musk, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent company of Warner Bros., the film's distributor, alleging that Tesla used imagery from the film ' Blade Runner 2049 ' at its robotaxi launch event despite the studio's refusal to allow the use.

'Blade Runner 2049' Producer Sues Elon Musk's Tesla Over AI Images
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/blade-runner-2049-producer-sues-elon-musk-tesla-warner-bros-discovery-1236040228/

'Blade Runner 2049' Producers Sue Elon Musk Over 'Robotaxi' Imagery - The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/21/business/media/elon-musk-alcon-entertainment-robotaxi-lawsuit.html

Elon Musk sued for using AI-generated Blade Runner imagery at robotaxi event - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/21/24276092/alcon-entertainment-blade-runner-2049-tesla-musk-warner-bros-discovery-copyright

Alcon Entertainment's lawsuit alleges that Tesla used an AI tool to generate imagery from the film 'Blade Runner 2049' to generate unlicensed promotional materials for the launch of its Cybercab robot taxi, which constituted copyright infringement and false endorsement.

Amazon.co.jp | Blade Runner 2049 4K ULTRA HD & Blu-ray Set (Regular Edition) [4K ULTRA HD + Blu-ray] DVD/Blu-ray - Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Mackenzie Davis, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Jared Leto, Dave Bautista, Denis Villeneuve

Specifically, they claim that the image below, which Tesla showed during its presentation, copies a scene from 'Blade Runner 2049' in which the protagonist, played by Ryan Gosling, explores a ruined Las Vegas.

The lawsuit is aimed not only at Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, but also at WBD. This is because WBD provided studio equipment and materials for Tesla's press conference, and there is a possibility that the contract included a contract to use WBD's products in Tesla's promotional activities. Alcon was informed of the existence of the licensing agreement between Tesla and WBD on the day of the event.

Musk wanted to link the Cybercab to 'Blade Runner 2049,' and WBD asked Alcon for permission, but Alcon refused, which is why the AI-generated imagery was used.

Alcon claims it is in the early stages of discussions with potential partners to produce the next series of 'Blade Runner 2049,' and that it fears it could scare off more cautious partners if it is perceived as working with Tesla. It is seeking damages and a court order barring further distribution of the disputed promotional materials.