Getty Images and Stability AI face off in British copyright trial that will test AI industry

(via AP News)

Getty Images and Stability AI are facing off in a landmark British copyright trial over the alleged unauthorized use of Getty’s images to train Stability’s AI model, Stable Diffusion. Getty claims the infringement was massive and deliberate, while Stability argues that the case shouldn't be tried in the UK and that any similarities are minimal. The outcome could influence future licensing negotiations and set key legal precedents for the global generative AI industry.

Brand Insights → This trial puts two big ideas in conflict: protecting creative work and pushing tech innovation. Getty is positioning itself as a defender of artists’ rights, reinforcing its brand as a trusted source of licensed imagery. Stability AI, on the other hand, risks looking like a rule-breaker in a space already under scrutiny. The case is about more than legality—it’s about values. It’s a public test of whether AI companies can grow responsibly or if they’ll be seen as taking without asking.

Warner Bros. Discovery split throws the future of TNT Sports into question

(via CNBC)

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said U.S. sports haven’t significantly boosted HBO Max subscriptions and will no longer be a priority for its streaming strategy. The company is splitting into two units: Streaming and Studios (including HBO Max) and Global Networks (which will manage TNT Sports). Future decisions about TNT Sports’ rights, including possible licensing or a merger with another company like Comcast’s upcoming Versant, will be made by Global Networks CEO Gunnar Wiedenfels.

Brand Insights → Warner Bros. Discovery is changing how it tells its story by clearly separating its entertainment and sports businesses. By admitting U.S. sports aren’t a big draw for HBO Max, the company is signaling a sharper focus on movies, shows, and scripted content to strengthen its streaming brand. This move helps simplify its identity for customers and investors, while giving TNT Sports the freedom to explore new partnerships or mergers. It’s a strategic reset that shows how a brand can evolve by letting go of what doesn’t fit.

Microsoft enters portable gaming with new ROG Xbox Ally devices

(via CNBC)

Microsoft announced its first handheld Xbox devices, the ROG Xbox Ally, developed in partnership with ASUS. The handhelds offer a full-screen Xbox experience with support for cloud gaming, streaming, and portable play. This launch follows Nintendo’s Switch 2 debut and marks Microsoft’s entry into the portable gaming market.

Brand Insights → Microsoft’s launch of the ROG Xbox Ally signals a big shift in its brand strategy by entering the handheld gaming market for the first time. By teaming up with ASUS and rolling this out right after Nintendo’s Switch 2 reveal, Microsoft is aligning itself with the growing demand for flexible, on-the-go gaming. This move reshapes Xbox’s image from just a console brand to a more accessible, mobile-friendly platform. It’s a timely play that makes Xbox feel more modern, competitive, and ready to meet gamers wherever they are.

When a brand truly “gets” its audience

When a brand truly “gets” its audience, it means the brand understands more than just what people buy, it understands why they buy it, how they feel, and what matters to them. In today’s culture, people want more than just products; they want to feel seen, heard, and connected. That’s why brands that align with cultural values like sustainability, inclusivity, or mental health often win loyalty. It’s not just about selling, it’s about relating.

Think of how Nike speaks to athletes of all kinds, not just pros, or how Dove promotes real beauty with real people instead of airbrushed models. These brands connect because they reflect what people care about today. Social media, memes, and even global events shape how we think and what we expect from companies. So when a brand taps into that, without feeling fake, it earns trust.

Marketing used to be about telling people what to buy. Now, it's more about joining a conversation people are already having. When brands genuinely listen and respond, they don’t just make a sale, they build a relationship. That’s what it means to “get” your audience in a culture that’s always changing.