Elon Musk
Tesla, Musk Face Legal Battle Over Alleged AI-Generated Blade Runner Image
Delaware LLC and Hollywood filmmaker Alcon Entertainment have filed a lawsuit against Tesla, Elon Musk, and Warner Brothers Discovery over the unauthorized use of an allegedly AI-generated image inspired by Blade Runner 2049 during Tesla’s “We, Robot” presentation.
During the unveiling of Tesla’s Robotaxi concept, Musk discussed how autonomous vehicles like the Cybercab could create a more optimistic future. While expressing his appreciation for Blade Runner, Musk stated he preferred not to see its dystopian vision become reality. At this point, Tesla displayed what appeared to be an AI-generated image clearly drawing inspiration from Blade Runner 2049 promotional materials.
According to the lawsuit, the defendants had previously sought permission to use the Blade Runner 2049 image but were explicitly denied. Alcon Entertainment claims they “adamantly objected to Defendants suggesting any affiliation between Blade Runner 2049 and Tesla, Musk, or any Musk-owned company.” Despite this refusal, Tesla allegedly proceeded to use an AI-generated version of the image.
In their complaint, Alcon criticized Musk’s justification for using the image: “Musk tried awkwardly to explain why he was showing the audience a picture of Blade Runner 2049 when he was supposed to be talking about his new product. He really had no credible reason.” The company suggested this was a calculated attempt to associate Tesla’s Cybercab with established Hollywood properties during a period of strained relations between Musk and the entertainment industry.
The lawsuit also cites concerns about Musk’s public persona as a key factor in their objection. Alcon stated that “Any prudent brand considering any Tesla partnership has to take Musk’s massively amplified, highly politicized, capricious, and arbitrary behavior, which sometimes veers into hate speech, into account.” They emphasized that companies disagreeing with Musk’s “extreme political and social views” would find brand association particularly problematic.
Read the complete lawsuit filing below: