Tesla Faces Lawsuit from Blade Runner 2049 Producer Over AI-Generated ‘Robotaxi’ Images
Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is in legal trouble as the production company behind Blade Runner 2049 files a lawsuit against the automotive and clean energy giant. Alcon Entertainment accuses Tesla of using images from the sci-fi film in an artificial intelligence image generator without permission to create unlicensed promotional materials.
The popular sci-fi movie, released in 2017 and featuring Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling in a post-apocalyptic setting, showcases a fully autonomous, AI-operated car. In the lawsuit filed in a California federal court, Alcon alleges that Musk and Tesla unlawfully appropriated imagery from the film to promote Tesla’s new ‘robotaxi’ venture.
The complaint includes claims of copyright infringement and false enforcement. Alcon states that they had denied Musk and Tesla’s request to use the imagery at a promotional event on 10th October, but the materials were used regardless. Alcon asserts that Musk presented AI-generated images resembling scenes from Blade Runner 2049 during the event, including one featuring a lookalike of Ryan Gosling.
The image displayed by Musk depicted a male figure in a trench coat gazing over a city’s ruins under an orange light with the words ‘Not This’ superimposed in the sky, resembling a scene from the film. Alcon argues that this image was created by inputting film visuals into an AI image generator, despite the production company’s refusal to grant licensing rights.
Musk referenced Blade Runner during the presentation, expressing his admiration for the film but questioning the bleak future it portrayed. The lawsuit condemns Tesla’s use of AI as a ploy to enhance the robotaxi event’s appeal and link it with the Blade Runner 2049 brand to boost Tesla sales.
Warner Bros Discovery is also implicated in the complaint for reportedly enabling the collaboration. Alcon claims that a deal between Warner Bros and Tesla allowed the use of Warner Bros’ materials and technology for the event. The production company emphasises that they do not wish Blade Runner 2049 to be associated with Musk due to his controversial political and social views.
Alcon reveals ongoing negotiations with automotive brands for a forthcoming Amazon TV series, Blade Runner 2099, expressing concerns over the potential impact of the Tesla dispute on these partnerships. The Independent has reached out to Musk, Warner Bros Discovery, and Tesla representatives for comment.
This legal dispute between Tesla and Alcon draws parallels with a situation involving Scarlett Johansson and AI start-up OpenAI, where a voice similar to the actor’s was used without her consent. After Johansson raised objections, OpenAI retired the voice option. The lawsuit signifies a clash between creative properties and emerging technologies, raising questions about intellectual property rights and ethical implications.