Artist Sues AI Meme Generator for Copyright Infringement
Artist Elmer Saflor has filed a lawsuit against AI meme generator Memes Apps, LCC. The suit alleges copyright infringement for using his popular "Running Away Balloon" comic as a paid ad template without permission.
Digital artist Elmer Saflor, known online as "Superelmer," has sued Memes Apps, LCC, the operator of AI-powered platforms Memes.ai and Memes AI Studio.
The lawsuit, filed earlier this month, claims the company violated copyright law by selling subscriptions to an ad generator. This service allegedly produces copies of Saflor's widely shared "Running Away Balloon" comic without his consent, using it as a template for advertisements.
Saflor, a creator based in the Philippines, stated that while he appreciates the popularity of his comic since it became a meme in 2017, its widespread use does not grant permission for commercialization. He is seeking to halt what he describes as "massive illegitimate use."
The core of the legal action centers on the allegation that Memes Apps, LCC commercialized copyrighted material through its AI-driven ad template service. The artist aims to stop the alleged unauthorized exploitation of his work.