The three-year agreement would allow OpenAI’s Sora app to generate content featuring over 200 copyrighted Disney characters|Loren Javier|CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Disney and OpenAI entered a deal that would allow Sora app users to create content with iconic Disney characters, like Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Iron Man, and more.
The entertainment giant will make a $1 billion equity investment in the ChatGPT-maker and license over 200 of Disney’s characters’ IPs, including Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, for three years. The deal would allow Sora users to use these animations in AI clips on the app.
However, it explicitly excludes the use of any human talent likeness or voice.
The investments would also allow Disney employees to use ChatGPT to build new experiences and internal tools. Sora videos will also be featured on the Disney+ streaming platform.
The strategic collaboration comes as several media companies grapple with the rapid changes brought by AI.
Disney is serious about its IP
Just a day before announcing the deal, Disney initiated legal actions against Google to protect their intellectual property.
It also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Character.AI in September and, along with Universal, sued AI image creator Midjourney for using its characters without authorization.