CNN sues Perplexity over AI copyright claims

CNN has filed a lawsuit against AI search company Perplexity, accusing it of unlawfully copying and distributing CNN content to power its AI products. The case marks CNN’s first AI copyright lawsuit and is believed to be the first such action by a television network.

The dispute arrives as publishers and AI companies continue to clash over how news content is used in generative AI systems. While some media companies are signing licensing agreements with AI platforms, others are increasingly turning to the courts to protect their journalism and intellectual property.

For marketers, PR teams, and SEO professionals, the lawsuit highlights a growing issue that extends beyond copyright law. It raises questions about AI search visibility, content attribution, publisher trust, and the future relationship between brands, media outlets, and AI platforms.

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What happened between CNN and Perplexity?

CNN filed its lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging that Perplexity copied and redistributed thousands of CNN stories, videos, and images without authorization.

According to CNN, the company attempted to negotiate a licensing agreement with Perplexity last year but failed to reach acceptable terms. The lawsuit claims Perplexity knew it did not have permission to access CNN content or use CNN trademarks after those negotiations ended.

CNN argues that AI companies should compensate publishers…