Tesla's AI Images Stir Copyright Trouble for 'Blade Runner 2049' Producer

Alcon Entertainment, the studio behind "Blade Runner 2049, " has filed a lawsuit against Tesla and Warner Bros. Discovery. The dispute centers around Tesla's use of AI-generated images that resembled scenes from the movie to promote its new cybercab. Alcon claims this violates U. S. copyright law and creates a false impression of a partnership between the companies. The lawsuit highlights concerns about Tesla's behavior, stating that potential partners must consider Elon Musk's controversial public persona. "Blade Runner 2049, " which won two Academy Awards and starred Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, is a highly anticipated sequel to a 1982 classic. Although Warner Bros. distributed the film, Alcon refused Tesla's request to use its images for the cybercab unveiling in October. Tesla proceeded to use similar AI-generated images, prompting Alcon to worry about potential confusion among its brand partners, including those involved with the upcoming "Blade Runner 2099" series on Amazon Prime. The lawsuit aims to address the financial impact of this alleged misappropriation, as Alcon has invested significantly in the Blade Runner brand.