Getty Images CEO Craig Peters has sounded the alarm about the unsustainable costs of defending copyrights in the age of artificial intelligence. In a candid interview with CNBC, Peters described how even an industry giant struggles to keep up with the flood of AI-related infringement cases.

The stock photo powerhouse is currently locked in a high-stakes legal battle with Stability AI, alleging the generative AI company illegally used 12 million Getty images to train its systems. "We simply can't pursue every infringement," Peters admitted. "The litigation costs are staggering - sometimes reaching millions for just one case."

Stability AI acknowledges using some Getty content but claims protection under fair use provisions. Peters dismisses this argument as a smokescreen for unfair business practices. "This isn't about stifling competition," he insists. "It's about preventing theft disguised as technological progress."

This clash represents just one front in the growing war over AI and intellectual property. Similar battles rage across industries - from The New York Times suing OpenAI to music labels targeting AI song generators. As courts grapple with these unprecedented questions, companies face mounting legal bills in uncharted territory.

Despite the challenges, Peters remains committed to protecting creators' rights through both courtroom battles and policy advocacy. He's pushing for stronger copyright protections while urging lawmakers to reject proposals that would weaken artists' rights under the guise of promoting AI development.

"Current copyright law doesn't hinder innovation," Peters argues. "It provides the framework that makes sustainable innovation possible." While acknowledging the difficulties of cross-border enforcement, he expresses confidence that Getty's position will ultimately prevail in global courts.

The financial strain highlights a troubling paradox: even well-resourced companies may lack the means to fully protect their intellectual property in the face of rapidly evolving AI capabilities. How this imbalance gets resolved could shape creative industries for decades to come.

Key Points

1. Getty Images CEO reveals multi-million dollar costs for individual copyright cases against AI firms
2. Ongoing lawsuit against Stability AI involves alleged unauthorized use of 12 million images
3. Company pursuing dual strategy of litigation and policy advocacy to protect creators' rights
4. Case reflects broader industry tensions between AI development and copyright protection
5. Legal uncertainties create financial burdens even for large content providers