MediaForEurope units sue Perplexity AI in Italy over alleged copyright breach

Mfe-mediaforeurope NV

03/12/2025 17:03

MILAN, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Two companies owned by MFE-MediaForEurope MFEB.MI have filed a lawsuit against U.S.-based Perplexity AI, accusing the artificial intelligence firm of using their audiovisual and film content without permission to train its systems, MFE said in statement on Wednesday.

RTI and Medusa Film, which respectively run MFE's TV and movie operations in Italy, said Perplexity used a large amount of their video material without authorization, breaching copyright.

The companies are seeking damages, daily penalties for any future violations, and a court order to stop any further use of their content.

Perplexity did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A hearing on the case has been set on April 15, 2026, a legal document seen by Reuters shows.

CONTEXT

Perplexity has faced multiple copyright lawsuits from other prominent publishers, including Japan's Nikkei and Asahi Shimbun, and has since introduced a revenue-sharing model, partnering with outlets like TIME, Der Spiegel, and others.

MFE-MediaForEurope, the TV group controlled by Italy's Berlusconi family, runs TV and media operations in Italy, Spain and Germany.

 (Reporting by Elvira Pollina, editing by Gavin Jones and)

 ((elvira.pollina@thomsonreuters.com))