Alcon Sues Tesla, Musk, Warner Bros. Over 'Blade Runner 2049' Imagery in Robotaxi Reveal

October 22, 2024
Alcon Sues Tesla, Musk, Warner Bros. Over 'Blade Runner 2049' Imagery in Robotaxi Reveal
  • Alcon asserts that it was unaware of any partnership between Tesla and Warner Bros. until the day of the Robotaxi unveiling, which included promotional elements linking Tesla products to WBD films.

  • Musk announced that the Cybercab, a proposed robotaxi, is expected to be available by 2027, with a target price of under $30,000, despite previous commitments for fully autonomous vehicles.

  • The presentation, streamed globally, showcased images that mirrored scenes from 'Blade Runner 2049,' leading to significant viewer exposure and mixed fan reactions.

  • The outcome of the lawsuit could take months or years, adding further controversy to Musk's ambitions in the self-driving vehicle market.

  • As of the lawsuit's filing, Musk has not publicly responded to the allegations, which are complicated by the similarities between the images used and the film.

  • During the event, Musk referenced 'Blade Runner 2049' while promoting Tesla's fully autonomous vehicle, raising legal concerns about the use of the film's imagery.

  • Alcon has invested hundreds of millions into building the 'Blade Runner 2049' brand, emphasizing the substantial financial implications of the alleged misuse of its intellectual property.

  • Musk's provocative social media presence and political affiliations are also cited as factors that could affect potential partnerships, complicating the landscape for Tesla.

  • Alcon Entertainment has initiated a lawsuit against Tesla, Elon Musk, and Warner Bros. for allegedly using imagery from 'Blade Runner 2049' without authorization during Tesla's recent Robotaxi presentation.

  • Despite the excitement surrounding the event, Tesla's stock fell nearly 9% afterward, indicating investor disappointment amidst ongoing scrutiny of Musk's promises regarding autonomous technology.

  • The lawsuit claims that Musk presented an AI-generated image for 11 seconds, which closely resembled scenes from the film, despite Alcon's request for permission being denied.

  • Alcon's attorneys argue that Musk's mention of 'Blade Runner' during the Cybercab promotion was not coincidental, as it featured a strikingly designed autonomous vehicle.

Summary based on 32 sources


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