Introduction
The legal landscape surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, with numerous lawsuits filed against major AI companies [1]. These cases address a variety of legal issues, including copyright infringement and the unauthorized use of creative works in AI training. As the courts navigate these complex matters, the outcomes will significantly impact the future of AI development and intellectual property rights.
Description
A total of 47 lawsuits have been filed against major AI companies [2], including OpenAI, Meta [1], Microsoft [1], Stability AI [1], Anthropic [1], and Google [1], with 3 suits voluntarily dismissed and 2 currently on appeal: Thomson Reuters v [2]. ROSS Intelligence in the 3rd Circuit and Doe 1 v [2]. GitHub in the 9th Circuit [2]. These lawsuits encompass a wide range of creative fields [1], such as fiction, journalism [1], music [1], software [1], and visual art [1], and involve various legal theories [1], including copyright infringement [1], DMCA violations [1], moral rights [1], right of publicity [1], and unfair competition [1].
Notably, the case of Thomson Reuters v [1]. ROSS Intelligence has established a precedent regarding copyright infringement in AI training [1], influencing ongoing litigation [1]. The Authors Guild v [1]. OpenAI case raises critical questions about whether using copyrighted texts to train AI models constitutes infringement [1], while the New York Times has initiated proceedings against OpenAI and Microsoft for allegedly scraping paywalled articles [1]. In the music sector [1], Universal Music Group has filed lawsuits against AI companies for allegedly training music tools on copyrighted sound recordings without licenses [1]. Additionally, voice actors have raised concerns about unauthorized use of their voices in AI synthesis models [1], leading to cases like Vacker v [1]. ElevenLabs [1].
Several cases have already produced procedural outcomes [1], with some dismissed and others consolidated into multidistrict litigation [1]. Many lawsuits remain in preliminary stages [1], with motions to dismiss pending [1]. The legal landscape is characterized by a conflict between copyright protection and free expression [1], as AI companies argue that their training processes are transformative and fall under fair use [1]. Courts are tasked with evaluating the nature and quantity of material used and the potential market harm caused by AI-generated outputs [1].
Recent rulings [1], such as Bartz v [1]. Anthropic [1], have begun to clarify the legal standing of AI training practices [1], recognizing the transformative nature of using legally purchased books while condemning the use of pirated materials [1]. In Kadrey v [1]. Meta [1], the court found that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate market harm from Meta’s use of their works for training LLaMA models [1], suggesting that future litigants must substantiate the economic impact of AI on creative markets to succeed in their claims [1]. Given the current trajectory, there is a strong possibility that the number of lawsuits will reach 50 by the end of the year [2].
Conclusion
The ongoing legal battles highlight the tension between innovation in AI and the protection of intellectual property rights. The outcomes of these cases will not only shape the future of AI development but also set important precedents for how creative works are used in technological advancements. As the number of lawsuits continues to grow, the courts’ decisions will play a crucial role in balancing the interests of creators and AI developers, ultimately influencing the trajectory of AI technology and its integration into various industries.
References
[1] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/copyright-litigation-against-ai-companies-united-states-collov%C3%A0-sjzzf
[2] https://chatgptiseatingtheworld.com/2025/07/07/updated-map-of-ai-copyright-lawsuits-jul-7-2025/
