CNN files a lawsuit against AI startup Perplexity, alleging the company unlawfully copied and distributed CNN’s copyrighted material to power its products. Multiple outlets report that CNN claims Perplexity scraped and used large volumes of CNN content, including stories, videos, images, and other works, with figures cited ranging from more than 10,000 pieces to over 17,000. The case is filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and CNN describes it as its first lawsuit against an AI company.
CNN also alleges trademark-related misconduct. According to reporting, the lawsuit claims Perplexity violated CNN’s trademarks or falsely suggested an affiliation between Perplexity and CNN.
Several articles describe prior negotiations between CNN and Perplexity in 2025. CNN and Perplexity discussed a partnership that would have allowed Perplexity to access paywalled CNN content for certain users in exchange for compensation, but the deal fell through. CNN says it blocked Perplexity’s AI bot from accessing its content and later sent a letter demanding that Perplexity stop unauthorized use; the complaint says Perplexity continued using CNN material.
CNN is seeking damages and restitution of profits, while Perplexity disputes the claims, including by arguing that facts are not copyrightable.
