CNN has filed a lawsuit against artificial intelligence startup Perplexity, accusing the company of copying and distributing its copyrighted material without authorization. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, this marks the first major legal action of its kind taken by a television broadcaster against a generative AI firm.
The dispute intensifies the ongoing legal pressure on AI chatbot and search developers regarding the unauthorized use of journalistic content. According to CNN, Perplexity utilized the network’s news reports, trademarks, and protected materials without establishing a proper commercial licensing agreement. Legal documents reveal that the two companies engaged in licensing discussions last year, but failed to reach an agreement. CNN claims Perplexity continued to use its content despite knowing it lacked formal permission for commercial exploitation.
In an official statement, CNN asserted that the lawsuit aims to prevent AI companies from exploiting work produced by human journalists. The network emphasized that quality journalism requires significant financial investment and often involves operational risks, particularly in investigative and international reporting. CNN noted that while it is open to reasonable licensing agreements and has established AI partnerships—such as a 2025 agreement with Meta—it opposes the unpaid commercial use of its reports.
Conversely, Perplexity has defended its practices. Jesse Dwyer, the company’s head of communications, stated that “facts cannot be copyrighted.” Perplexity argues that attempts to restrict access to public facts could hinder technological innovation and the development of new AI tools.
This lawsuit reflects a broader conflict between generative AI developers and intellectual property owners. Over the past two years, publishers including The New York Times, News Corp, and the Chicago Tribune have filed similar lawsuits against Perplexity. Meanwhile, other media outlets have opted for commercial partnerships; organizations such as TIME, Le Monde, and Der Spiegel have recently signed licensing deals with Perplexity to authorize the use of their content.
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