Fastcase has sued Alexi, alleging the startup used a licensed database to train models, display case law, and incorporate Fastcase marks inside its interface while building a competing research platform.
The lawsuit says a 2021 license barred Alexi from publishing content or using it to build a rival service. Fastcase, now branded as vLex, claims Alexi relied on the corpus to train systems and to show case text to users, and that it used Fastcase marks in ways that suggest an affiliation.
According to Reuters, the complaint seeks a permanent injunction, destruction of trained data and model weights, disgorgement, and damages. Alexi’s chief executive denies any breach and says use stayed within the license.
The corporate context matters. Fastcase merged with vLex in 2023 and the combined business was acquired by Clio this year at a one billion dollar valuation, with Clio later announcing a five billion valuation after a new funding round. Market share is at stake as vendors race to lock content and to assert control over training rights.
What changed and why it matters now
This is not just another scraping story. It is a contract and trademarks case that asks a court to police how licensed legal text can be used for training and for display inside a product.
If Fastcase wins early relief, buyers will see tighter clauses on training provenance, interface branding and model deletion at the end of a license.
FAQ:
Q What is the immediate impact for clients
A Procurement teams should add training provenance, model deletion and branding controls to every legal research contract now.
Q Does this change scraping law
A The case turns on contract and trademarks more than on pure copyright theories, so outcomes will hinge on the license terms and use of marks.
Q Where can I see the filing
A See the Reuters summary of the Washington DC case and recent docket references.
