MiniMax Photo: VCG

Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup MiniMax has been accused by Walt Disney, Comcast's Universal and Warner Bros Discovery of intellectual property violations, according to media reports. 

According to a Reuters report, with a simple text prompt, MiniMax's generative AI tool Hailuo can generate downloadable images and videos of characters such as Darth Vader from Star Wars, the Minions from Despicable Me and Wonder Woman, all carrying Hailuo branding.

The studios are seeking profits earned from the alleged infringement and a court order barring MiniMax from offering Hailuo without proper copyright safeguards, the report said. 

MiniMax has not provided an immediate response to Global Times' request for comment as of press time.

The case follows a June 11 lawsuit in which Disney and Universal sued US-based AI firm Midjourney, claiming it trained its models on their intellectual property and that it generates images featuring their famous characters in violation of copyright law, according to a complaint filed in California federal court on June 11, 2025, CNN reported. 

In March 2025, China issued guidelines on labeling internet content that is generated or composed by AI technology, which took effect on September 1. 

The rules require AI-generated online content to carry visible labels throughout its production and distribution, and ban tampering with or falsifying labels. They aim to standardize content dissemination, support healthy industry development, and help users identify false information, Xinhua reported. 

Global Times