Getty Images’ High Court copyright claim against artificial intelligence developer Stability AI began with unexpected fireworks this week as Stability’s counsel accused his opponents of making a 'repugnant' - and unpleaded - allegation that its AI engine could be used to produce child abuse images.
Hugh Cuddigan KC even cited the barristers’ code of conduct, while (not entirely convincingly) disowning any suggestion that his learned friends had breached it.
Getty demanded clarity from Mrs Justice Joanna Smith, who briskly ruled that the allegation about child abuse images was not properly pleaded and therefore not part of the case.
Jessie Bowhill, for Getty, asked for permission to appeal.
When that was refused, Getty asked for an adjournment, just 90 minutes into day one of a three-week trial.
The picture agency is in distinguished company: the last litigant in Court 30 of the Rolls Building to threaten to go to the Court of Appeal on day one of a major trial? The Duke of Sussex...
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