OpenAI’s Sora Video Generator Sparks Copyright Clash with Hollywood Studios

OpenAI’s new Sora video generator now creates content with copyrighted characters from major Hollywood studios. This move escalates the company’s push into the entertainment industry. It allows users to generate videos featuring intellectual property from shows like Rick and Morty and South Park.

The company expects this type of use. It blocks videos using actor likenesses but not studio-owned characters. Copyright holders must actively opt out to prevent their content from appearing in user-generated videos.

Sora’s New Capabilities Raise Legal Questions

The updated model returns videos featuring recognizable elements from popular movies, TV shows, and games. This includes Bob’s Burgers, Pokémon, and Grand Theft Auto. One demo showed Rick and Morty discussing OpenAI in their signature animation style.

Legal experts say this approach turns copyright law on its head. They argue that placing the burden on rights holders to opt out contradicts standard legal practice. According to Reuters, this could set up a significant legal battle between Hollywood and the AI startup.

Industry Backlash and Legal Precedents

Studios and production companies now have clear grounds to sue, according to intellectual property lawyers. The shift represents a broader erosion of protections for copyright owners. AI firms have long trained models on internet-scraped data without compensating creators.

This has already led to lawsuits from authors, record labels, and news organizations. Earlier this year, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery sued another AI firm for similar reasons. The outcome of these cases could shape the future of AI and intellectual property law.

The conflict over the Sora video generator highlights a pivotal moment for creative rights in the AI era. Its resolution will likely influence how technology and copyright coexist for years to come.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Sora video generator?

Sora is OpenAI’s advanced AI model that creates video content from text prompts. The new version can generate videos featuring copyrighted characters and worlds from popular media.

How does OpenAI justify using copyrighted material?

The company states it is working with rights holders to understand their preferences. It uses an opt-out system, arguing this allows for new creative opportunities for fans.

Which studios and shows are affected?

Videos have been generated featuring properties from major studios, including Rick and Morty, South Park, Dune, Bob’s Burgers, and Pokémon.

What has been the legal reaction?

Intellectual property lawyers call the opt-out process contrary to copyright law. They believe studios have strong grounds for legal action against OpenAI.

Has this happened with other AI companies?

Yes. Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Universal recently sued AI company Midjourney for similar practices involving copyrighted characters.