Warner Bros. Discovery has launched the latest salvo in a growing Hollywood campaign against the use of artificial intelligence after filing a large lawsuit against AI image generator Midjourney for “blatant theft” of popular characters such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Scooby-Doo.
The media titan brought the lawsuit on September 4, 2025, in Los Angeles federal court, one of the highest-profile court battles to date between old-line media companies and artificial-intelligence tech companies over the rights to intellectual property.
The case explains a recurring practice of systemic copyright infringement. Warner Bros. Discovery and subsidiary studios DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera Productions, and Cartoon Network claim that the San Francisco-based Midjourney purposefully built its popular AI platform by training on the creative output of the last few decades without license.
Warner Bros. and Other Studios Unite Against AI Copyright Infringement
As the complaint describes it, Midjourney’s software can now generate “virtually identical” depictions of famous figures, including details such as Scooby-Doo’s unique collar and fur texture with remarkable detail. The company claims that is not by chance, it is the result of Midjourney deliberately incorporating copyrighted works to train its A.I. systems.
What makes the case especially strong is that Warner Bros.’ allegation that Midjourney saw the copyright problem and acknowledged it at the onset. The lawsuit cites proof that the company that makes the AI once prohibited users from creating videos that included possibly infringing images. But it took away these protections and advertised the move as an “improvement” to the service just recently.
Warner Bros. calls it a “calculated, profit-driven move” that shows sheer disregard for copyright holders but gives users the chance to profit commercially on their characters.
This lawsuit isn’t an isolated one. Warner Bros. is teaming up with other large studios in what is becoming a unified attack against AI firms. Disney and Universal Pictures brought the same type of legal action against Midjourney as far back as June of 2025, claiming the platform unlawfully used characters such as Darth Vader, Shrek, and Bart Simpson.
Warner Bros. vs. Midjourney and the Future of AI Copyright
Together, these entertainment giants control some of Hollywood’s most valuable intellectual property. Their united front suggests this battle could fundamentally reshape how AI companies operate and whether they can continue using copyrighted content to train their systems.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Midjourney, founded just three years ago in 2022, has exploded in popularity with around 21 million users. The company reportedly pulled in $300 million in revenue in 2024 alone, demonstrating just how lucrative the generative AI market has become.
This rapid growth and commercial success make the legal challenge all the more significant. Warner Bros. isn’t just fighting for principle; they’re battling for their share of what could be a massive new revenue stream.
Warner Bros. Sues Midjourney Over AI Training and Intellectual Property
Midjourney is not backing down either. The company has also held that it is fair use to train AI models on works that have been copyrighted. It contends the practice allows for the “free flow of ideas and information”, an argument that will come under more review inside the court as these cases proceed.
The issue of contention at the core of the broader debate on AI and copyright law is the following: Are companies free to train on the preexisting creative works that then generate brand-new works? Or is that theft on an unprecedented scale?
Warner Bros. Discovery desires more than mere recognition, namely unspecified damages, a percentage of the profits of Midjourney derived from the supposed infringement, and an injunction against further violations. They have also asked for a jury trial, which might attract public notice to these highly technical and legal matters.
“Our basis of work is to develop stories and characters to attract our audiences,” the Warner Bros. rep explained. “Midjourney is willfully and intentionally infringing copyright works, and that is the reason why we took the action to protect our content, our partners, and our investments.”
As the creative and tech industries watch closely, this case could establish crucial precedents that define the future relationship between AI innovation and copyright protection. The outcome may determine whether AI companies can continue their current practices or must find entirely new ways to develop their technologies while respecting intellectual property rights.
