Overview
- Disney, NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery accuse MiniMax’s Hailuo AI of generating downloadable images and videos of protected characters, with exhibits showing outputs such as Darth Vader bearing MiniMax/Hailuo watermarks.
- The complaint says MiniMax used studio IP in marketing and promoted Hailuo as a “Hollywood studio in your pocket.”
- The plaintiffs seek disgorgement of profits, a court order barring further use of their works, and the option to pursue maximum statutory damages per infringed work.
- According to the filing, cease‑and‑desist requests were ignored and MiniMax failed to implement reasonable protections that other AI services employ.
- The suit extends the studios’ 2025 campaign beyond U.S. companies like Midjourney to a Shanghai‑based firm reportedly targeting a Hong Kong IPO near $4 billion, and MiniMax has not yet publicly commented.