ByteDance Commits to Prevent Unauthorized IP Use on AI Video Tool After Disney Warning
ByteDance, the Chinese technology giant, has announced plans to prevent unauthorized use of intellectual property with its AI video generator, Seedance 2.0. This decision comes in response to legal threats from major U.S. studios, including Disney.
Concerns Over Intellectual Property Use
Disney recently delivered a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance. The letter accuses the company of using Disney characters to train Seedance 2.0 without permission. According to sources, Disney claims that ByteDance packaged the AI tool with a pirated library of copyrighted characters, including those from its famous franchises.
Key Characters and Allegations
- Spider-Man
- Darth Vader
- Other iconic characters from Disney properties
Disney alleges that Seedance 2.0 is capable of reproducing and distributing derivative works that feature these characters as if they were public domain clip art.
ByteDance’s Response and Future Measures
In a statement, ByteDance underscored its commitment to safeguarding intellectual property. The company stated, “We are taking steps to strengthen current safeguards as we work to prevent the unauthorized use of intellectual property and likeness by users.” Specific measures were not disclosed.
Additional Legal Challenges
ByteDance faces challenges beyond Disney. Paramount Skydance has also sent a cease-and-desist letter, accusing the firm of blatant IP infringement. This development indicates a growing concern among entertainment companies regarding AI-generated content.
Industry Reaction and Comparisons
Seedance 2.0 was released just last week and has already gained popularity in China. The AI has been praised for generating cinematic narratives quickly. It has drawn comparisons to other models like DeepSeek, making it a topic of interest in the tech and entertainment sectors.
Disney has previously taken a firm stance on copyright issues. The company demanded that Character.AI ceases the unauthorized use of its characters. In December, Disney entered into a licensing agreement with OpenAI to allow the use of its characters in the Sora video generator.
As the situation develops, the implications for AI tools like Seedance 2.0 and their use of copyrighted materials remain significant. Industry observers will be watching closely as ByteDance navigates these legal challenges.
