CNN sues Perplexity AI for copyright infringement in Japan
CNN sued Perplexity AI on May 28, 2026, alleging the company unlawfully trained its search service on CNN's paid articles and videos without permission. Perplexity reportedly claims that facts themselves are not subject to copyright protection.
What happened
CNN filed a lawsuit on May 28, 2026, in New York federal court alleging that Perplexity AI trained its search service on CNN's articles, videos, and images without permission and provided this content through its search service.
CNN stated that it conducted partnership negotiations with Perplexity in 2025 to provide paid content access in exchange for compensation, but no final agreement was reached. CNN alleges Perplexity has continued copying and distributing its content without authorization since those negotiations ended.
Reported impact
CNN is seeking an injunction to stop the unauthorized use and is claiming damages against Perplexity AI.
Index analysis
Perplexity AI reportedly contends that "facts themselves" are not subject to copyright protection.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.