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Intellectual Property

Apr. 8, 2026

Stability AI challenges Getty copyright claim over watermark intent standard

Stability AI argued Getty failed to plausibly allege intent required under Section 1202(a), while also challenging trademark claims and venue, as a federal judge questioned jurisdiction in California.

Stability AI challenges Getty copyright claim over watermark intent standard
U.S. District Judge Trina L. Thompson

It doesn't matter that Stability AI's image generator improperly produced photos with a Getty Images watermark, the tech company argued Tuesday at a motion to dismiss hearing before U.S. District Judge Trina L. Thompson, since it wasn't done with the intent to induce copyright infringement.

The claim -- one of two Stability moved to dismiss from a broader copyright infringement lawsuit -- is a rare one under 17 U.S. Code Section 1202(a), which prevents someone from fal...

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