The company holding the intellectual property rights of the late astronomer Carl Sagan filed a lawsuit against artificial intelligence startup Luma AI in California federal court on Tuesday. The complaint alleges that Luma AI used a recorded audio clip of Sagan from his 1980 documentary series "Cosmos" without authorization to advertise its video-generation software.
The plaintiff, Druyan-Sagan Associates, is owned by Sagan's widow, Ann Druyan. The lawsuit states that Luma AI used a specific clip of Sagan saying, "If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." The estate claims this use infringed its copyright and created a false impression that Sagan or his estate endorsed the company's products.
According to the filing, Luma AI posted the audio on social media platforms including X, Facebook, and Instagram to promote Ray 3.14, its generative AI video platform. Druyan-Sagan Associates stated they previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to the company in February. In response, Luma AI reportedly argued that its use of the clip was "de minimis"—a legal term for a use too small or trifling to warrant legal action—and would not cause consumer confusion.
For ordinary consumers and content creators, the case highlights the tension between AI development and intellectual property rights. If the court finds in favor of the estate, it could set a precedent requiring AI firms to secure licensing for even short audio clips used in marketing, which may change how these platforms are advertised to the public. Conversely, a ruling for Luma AI could broaden the "de minimis" defense, potentially allowing more frequent use of historical media in tech promotion without payment or permission.
The estate is seeking an unspecified amount of monetary damages and a court order to prevent Luma AI from using Sagan’s work. The knock-on effects could reach other estates of public figures who wish to protect their legacies from being associated with commercial AI products. What happens next depends on the proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, as Luma AI has not yet responded to the complaint or named its legal representation. No trial date has been set.