AI image generator Midjourney has asked a US court to compel Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. to disclose how they use artificial intelligence internally. This request is part of an ongoing copyright lawsuit where the studios allege Midjourney trained its AI models on copyrighted material without permission. The studios filed their suits between June and September 2025, accusing Midjourney of enabling users to generate images of protected characters like Darth Vader and Bart Simpson, according to medianama.com.
The dispute has moved into the discovery phase, focusing on what evidence the studios must provide. A judge previously ruled that the studios must share information about their use of generative AI but limited it to AI systems creating consumer-facing images and videos. Midjourney is challenging this limitation, arguing it allows the studios to selectively disclose documents that support their claims while withholding evidence that could aid Midjourney’s defense, medianama.com reported.
This case highlights the complex legal challenges around AI training data and copyright. The studios claim Midjourney’s AI infringes on their intellectual property by using copyrighted works without authorization. Midjourney counters that training AI on such material falls under fair use. The outcome could influence how AI companies and content owners navigate copyright issues, especially as generative AI becomes more widespread, according to medianama.com.
The court’s decision on the scope of discovery will shape the evidence available to both sides. The next hearing is scheduled for later this month, where the judge will consider Midjourney’s request to broaden the studios’ disclosure obligations, medianama.com stated.