After a series of costly lawsuits, intellectual property owners are increasingly deciding that licensing is the better path forward.Disney has reportedly signed a three year licensing deal with OpenAI’s SORA video platform worth $1 billion. The agreement covers more than 200 of its iconic characters and properties across franchises including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.. such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Darth Vader, Iron Man, and Woody.However, the deal explicitly excludes the use of... Read more
After a series of costly lawsuits, intellectual property owners are increasingly deciding that licensing is the better path forward.
Disney has reportedly signed a three year licensing deal with OpenAI’s SORA video platform worth $1 billion. The agreement covers more than 200 of its iconic characters and properties across franchises including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.. such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Darth Vader, Iron Man, and Woody.
However, the deal explicitly excludes the use of specific actors’ likenesses and voices.
This is likely the first of many such agreements with movie studios as they move to settle lawsuits and pursue lucrative partnerships. For an industry under financial pressure, this could become a much needed new revenue stream.
In music, similar deals are already underway.
Warner Music Group has reached an agreement with AI music titan Suno. While financial details remain private, it has been confirmed that Suno is permitted to train its AI on Warner’s entire catalog.
Universal Music has also struck a deal with rival AI firm Udio. Again, the specifics are undisclosed, but the agreement allows artists and songwriters to opt in or out.
Sony Music, meanwhile, has not settled with Suno or Udio and continues to pursue legal action against the companies. However, in light of these other deals, a settlement now seems highly likely.
At first glance, allowing AI systems to officially train on proprietary content may seem like a deal with the devil. But the alternative is worse: having that work used anyway… and potentially losing in court. Now that AI firms are agreeing to pay, they are implicitly acknowledging the principle that training data sources deserve compensation.
With movie studios already struggling, this represents an entirely new source of income. And by working with and in some cases investing in — AI companies, rights holders gain influence, control, and upside from an otherwise unstoppable force.
Is it a deal with the devil? Maybe. But at least this time, they’re getting paid for their intellectual property.
Disney has reportedly signed a three year licensing deal with OpenAI’s SORA video platform worth $1 billion. The agreement covers more than 200 of its iconic characters and properties across franchises including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.. such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Darth Vader, Iron Man, and Woody.
However, the deal explicitly excludes the use of specific actors’ likenesses and voices.
This is likely the first of many such agreements with movie studios as they move to settle lawsuits and pursue lucrative partnerships. For an industry under financial pressure, this could become a much needed new revenue stream.
In music, similar deals are already underway.
Warner Music Group has reached an agreement with AI music titan Suno. While financial details remain private, it has been confirmed that Suno is permitted to train its AI on Warner’s entire catalog.
Universal Music has also struck a deal with rival AI firm Udio. Again, the specifics are undisclosed, but the agreement allows artists and songwriters to opt in or out.
Sony Music, meanwhile, has not settled with Suno or Udio and continues to pursue legal action against the companies. However, in light of these other deals, a settlement now seems highly likely.
At first glance, allowing AI systems to officially train on proprietary content may seem like a deal with the devil. But the alternative is worse: having that work used anyway… and potentially losing in court. Now that AI firms are agreeing to pay, they are implicitly acknowledging the principle that training data sources deserve compensation.
With movie studios already struggling, this represents an entirely new source of income. And by working with and in some cases investing in — AI companies, rights holders gain influence, control, and upside from an otherwise unstoppable force.
Is it a deal with the devil? Maybe. But at least this time, they’re getting paid for their intellectual property.
