Story perspectives

Midjourney Seeks Overturn of Limited AI Discovery Ruling

7/4/2026

Summary

Midjourney Seeks Overturn

Midjourney asked Judge John Kronstadt to overturn Magistrate Judge Joel Richlin’s June 15 ruling limiting discovery of Disney, Universal and Warner Bros.’ AI use.
The magistrate allowed only consumer-facing AI information and denied Midjourney’s broader discovery request.
Studios’ attorney David Singer called the request a “fishing expedition” and said the studios want Midjourney to stop copying their famous characters without authorization.

Summary

Midjourney Sues Studios

Midjourney sued Disney, Warner Bros. and Universal, using an “unclean hands” defense and arguing that internal AI use for storyboarding would show an industry custom.
A prior court order forced the studios to admit using Midjourney’s technology for consumer-facing products while excluding behind-the-scenes applications.
Midjourney’s counsel says there is no proof of internal AI use, calls claim speculative, and likens the studios to a “massive international juggernaut… without sin” biblical metaphor.

Summary

Midjourney Disclosure Battle

Magistrate’s June 16, 2026 discovery order may set the first clear standard for plaintiff disclosure of AI-training methods.
Disney, Universal and Warner Bros. allege Midjourney created unauthorized AI versions of Batman and Superman.
The lawsuits are filed in the Central District of California, a common venue for major tech cases.
A Midjourney win could compel AI firms to reveal workflows, forcing courts to balance trade-secrets with fair-use transparency.

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Midjourney Seeks Overturn

Midjourney asked Judge John Kronstadt to overturn Magistrate Judge Joel Richlin’s June 15 ruling limiting discovery of Disney, Universal and Warner Bros.’ AI use.
The magistrate allowed only consumer-facing AI information and denied Midjourney’s broader discovery request.
Studios’ attorney David Singer called the request a “fishing expedition” and said the studios want Midjourney to stop copying their famous characters without authorization.

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