Walt Disney has struck a deal with OpenAI, making the media giant the first major content licensing partner for Sora, OpenAI’s social video platform. As part of the agreement, Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI and receive warrants to purchase additional shares.
Under the deal, users on Sora will be able to generate social videos featuring more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. The licensing agreement does not include the use of talent likenesses or voices. Both companies emphasized that OpenAI will implement safety measures, including age-appropriate policies and other controls, to protect users and maintain trust on the platform. Disney sees the partnership as a model for equitable collaboration with AI companies, ensuring that its intellectual property and creators are protected.
The agreement comes amid Disney’s more aggressive approach to AI-related copyright issues. The company has recently targeted several AI firms over alleged infringement, including Google, Character.AI, Midjourney, and the Chinese company MiniMax, highlighting Disney’s efforts to safeguard its content while exploring AI-driven innovation.