Disney has despatched a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance accusing the Chinese language firm of utilizing Disney characters to coach and energy its Seedance 2.0 AI video generator with out permission, a supply conversant in the matter advised Reuters.
Disney mentioned ByteDance had pre‑packaged Seedance with a pirated library of copyrighted characters from franchises together with Star Wars and Marvel, portraying them as in the event that they have been public-domain clip artwork, the particular person mentioned.
The letter alleges Seedance is reproducing, distributing and creating by-product works that includes Spider-Man, Darth Vader, and different characters, the particular person added.
ByteDance will strengthen safeguards on its Seedance 2.0 AI video device to stop the unauthorised use of copyrighted characters and celeb likenesses, the Chinese language agency advised the BBC on Sunday (Feb 15).
ByteDance didn’t instantly reply to Reuters’ request for remark.
On-line information outlet Axios was the primary to report on Disney’s transfer. Paramount Skydance has additionally despatched a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, accusing the Chinese language agency of participating in “blatant infringement” of its mental property, Selection reported over the weekend.
Movies generated by Seedance 2.0, which was launched final week, have gone viral in China together with considered one of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in a fight. The AI mannequin has been in comparison with DeepSeek and has been praised for its means to supply cinematic storylines with only a few prompts.
Disney has taken related actions in opposition to Character.AI, demanding that the startup instantly cease the unauthorised use of its copyrighted characters.
In December, Disney signed a licensing cope with OpenAI, letting the startup use characters from Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel franchises in its Sora video generator.
