Tesla’s recent unveiling of its futuristic robotaxi, the “Cybercab,” has landed the company in legal trouble.
Denied Tesla's Request
The highly anticipated reveal drew strong visual inspiration from the 2017 film Blade Runner 2049, prompting a lawsuit from the production company, Alcon Entertainment.
Tesla reportedly sought permission from Alcon Entertainment to use Blade Runner 2049 imagery just before the Cybercab’s presentation, intending to highlight the robotaxi’s sci-fi design.
However, Alcon denied Tesla’s request, citing the company’s preference not to be associated with Tesla, particularly due to Elon Musk’s controversial public conduct, according to Trend.
Alcon reportedly referenced Musk’s outspoken support for Trump and his involvement in spreading misinformation on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) as contributing factors in their decision to withhold permission.
AI-Generated Images
Despite the warning, Tesla went forward with imagery closely resembling Blade Runner 2049’s aesthetic.
During the presentation, Tesla used an AI-generated image featuring a figure in a long leather coat standing in front of an orange-hued skyline—strikingly similar to scenes from the film.
In its lawsuit, Alcon claims that Tesla knowingly infringed on its intellectual property rights, seeking damages for unauthorized use of the film’s visual elements.
The outcome of the case remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether Tesla may face financial penalties or be required to modify its marketing approach.
While the Cybercab’s futuristic design and advanced technology initially generated excitement, the legal dispute has cast a shadow over Tesla’s latest innovation in autonomous transportation.
