Disney has officially entered a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI, with the first year featuring an exclusive partnership, according to CEO Bob Iger during an interview with CNBC. This collaboration, established last week, will integrate Disney’s beloved characters into OpenAI’s Sora video generator, allowing creators access to a robust library of over 200 characters from franchises such as Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. Currently, Sora is the sole AI platform authorized to use this content.
For Disney, this partnership represents an opportunity to explore the realm of generative AI while evaluating its impact on the company’s intellectual property. Iger emphasized the necessity of adapting to technological advancements, stating, “No human generation has ever stood in the way of technological advance, and we don’t intend to try. We’ve always felt that if it’s going to happen, including disruption of our current business models, then we should get on board.”
Interestingly, on the same day the collaboration was announced, Disney issued a cease-and-desist letter to Google, claiming copyright infringement. While Google has not publicly addressed the specifics of Disney’s allegations, the company has expressed a willingness to engage with the entertainment giant.
Key Points:
– The licensing deal with OpenAI is exclusive for the first year.
– Disney’s iconic characters will be available for content creation on Sora.
– The partnership allows Disney to evaluate the use of generative AI with its properties.
– CEO Bob Iger supports embracing technological disruption.
– Disney is simultaneously pursuing a potential legal claim against Google.
