Disney, Universal, Warner Bros sue Chinese AI firm MiniMax

Disney, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. Discovery filed a joint federal lawsuit against Chinese AI firm MiniMax, alleging "willful and brazen" copyright infringement on a massive scaleyahoo+1.
The lawsuit marks the first time major Hollywood studios have targeted a Chinese AI company, accusing MiniMax of using copyrighted characters like Spider-Man, Batman, and Minions without permission to train its Hailuo AI serviceyahoo+2.
MiniMax markets its platform as a "Hollywood studio in your pocket," allowing users to generate downloadable images and videos featuring iconic characters with simple text promptsindianexpress+1.
The timing creates challenges for MiniMax, which filed confidentially for a Hong Kong IPO targeting a valuation over $4 billion and hoping to raise up to $637 million before year-endfinance.yahoo+1.
The studios seek up to $150,000 per infringed work in damages and a permanent injunction, following similar legal action against California-based AI firm Midjourney earlier this yearyahoo+1.

Disney The Walt Disney Company , Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. Discovery filed a joint lawsuit Tuesday against Chinese artificial intelligence firm MiniMax, alleging the company has engaged in "willful and brazen" copyright infringement on a massive scale. The lawsuit represents the first time major Hollywood studios have targeted a Chinese AI company, escalating their broader legal battle against artificial intelligence platforms they claim are built on stolen intellectual property.

The three media giants filed the complaint in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, accusing Shanghai-based MiniMax of using their copyrighted characters without permission to train its AI models and market its Hailuo AI service as "a Hollywood studio in your pocket". The platform allegedly allows users to generate high-quality, downloadable images and videos featuring iconic characters including Darth Vader from Star Wars, Minions from Despicable Me, and Wonder Woman, complete with MiniMax branding.yahoo+2

High Stakes for AI Unicorn's IPO Plans

The timing of the lawsuit poses particular challenges for MiniMax, which confidentially filed for a Hong Kong initial public offering in July targeting a valuation exceeding $4 billion. The company, considered one of China's "AI Dragons," hopes to raise between $510 million and $637 million before the end of 2025. A successful resolution of the copyright dispute could determine whether MiniMax proceeds with what would be among the first major public listings by a Chinese AI firm.finance.yahoo+1

MiniMax has raised over $850 million since 2023, with backing from Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent, as well as other prominent investors. The company claims its AI models serve over 157 million users across more than 200 countries and regions.economictimes+1

Hollywood's Copyright Enforcement Campaign

According to Yahoo Entertainment, the studios previously sent MiniMax cease-and-desist letters detailing extensive copyright violations, but the company "failed to provide a substantial response" and continued its alleged infringement. The lawsuit claims MiniMax could easily adopt copyright protection measures similar to those used by other AI services but has chosen not to implement such safeguards.finance.yahoo+1

"MiniMax's bootlegging business model and defiance of U.S. copyright law are not only an attack on Plaintiffs and the hard-working creative community that brings the magic of movies to life, but are also a broader threat to the American motion picture industry," the studios stated in their complaint.indianexpress

The studios are seeking financial damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work, attorney fees, and a permanent injunction to halt MiniMax's unauthorized use of their copyrighted content. This lawsuit follows similar actions the same studios filed against California-based AI firm Midjourney earlier this year, signaling Hollywood's increasingly aggressive stance in protecting intellectual property from AI companies.timesofindia.indiatimes+3

In their joint statement, Disney, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery emphasized their position: "A responsible approach to AI innovation is critical, and today's lawsuit against MiniMax again demonstrates our shared commitment to holding accountable those who violate copyright laws, wherever they may be based".mynewsla+1

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