Hyperdrive

Musk Sued Over ‘Blade Runner’ Imagery During Robotaxi Unveiling

Studio sues Tesla for using imagery inspired by its 2017 movie
Alcon says it doesn’t want the film to be associated with Musk

A prototype of the Tesla Cybercab autonomous vehicle unveiled during an event in Burbank, California, on Oct. 10.Source: X/Tesla

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By Kara Carlson

October 21, 2024 at 8:34 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Hollywood filmmaker Alcon Entertainment is suing Elon Musk, saying Tesla Inc. used imagery inspired by the 2017 movie Blade Runner 2049 at a recent event even after permission was denied.

The production company, which has also financed and produced films such as The Blind Side, filed a lawsuit accusing Musk of copyright infringement, saying it specifically declined to grant permission to use the images. Alcon also alleges Tesla didn’t reach out for permission until the day of the event, which was held on Oct. 10. Musk, Tesla and Warner Brothers Discovery Inc., which hosted the event in a studio lot, are listed as defendants.