Photo credit: Tesla

The production company behind the film "Blade Runner 2049" has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, Elon Musk, and Warner Bros Discovery, accusing them of using imagery from the movie without permission during Tesla's Robotaxi launch event.

Alcon Entertainment, the production firm, claims that it specifically denied Warner Bros' request to use material from the film at the October 10 event.

Despite this, the lawsuit alleges that Tesla and the other event organizers used artificial intelligence to create promotional imagery inspired by the film.

According to the lawsuit, the financial impact of this unauthorized use was substantial.

Alcon Entertainment is seeking unspecified damages and a court order to prevent Tesla from using the AI-generated images further.

The lawsuit also accuses the organizers of "false endorsement" by implying a connection between Alcon Entertainment and Tesla.

Elon Musk has referenced the original "Blade Runner" film multiple times in the past, suggesting it was an inspiration for Tesla's Cybertruck.

"Blade Runner 2049," released in 2017, is the highly anticipated sequel to the 1982 classic "Blade Runner" and starred Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, and Jared Leto. The film won two Academy Awards and was distributed by Warner Bros.

Alcon Entertainment is currently working on a spinoff television series, "Blade Runner 2099."

Separately, Alex Proyas, director of the 2004 sci-fi film "I, Robot," has accused Musk of copying his designs for humanoid machines and self-driving vehicles.

The title of Tesla's robotaxi event, "We, Robot," which plays on Isaac Asimov's short story collection, also drew Proyas' attention. He publicly requested Musk to return his designs, a claim met with skepticism online.

Alcon's lawsuit emphasizes the importance of intellectual property rights and the significant financial ramifications of unauthorized use.

The production company is taking a firm stance to protect its creative works and ensure that any use of its material is properly authorized and compensated.

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