Disney, Paramount Demand ByteDance Curb AI Video Tool’s Use of Characters
February 16, 2026
Chinese technology giant ByteDance is facing legal pressure from Disney and Paramount Skydance over its AI video-making tool, Seedance 2.0, which has been generating hyper-realistic videos featuring copyrighted characters. Both companies have sent cease-and-desist letters demanding ByteDance prevent the unauthorized use of their intellectual property.
Legal Challenges Mount for Seedance
Disney initiated the legal action on Friday, accusing ByteDance of providing Seedance with a “pirated library” of copyrighted characters from franchises like Marvel and Star Wars . Disney’s lawyers described the situation as a “virtual smash-and-grab” of their intellectual property . Paramount Skydance followed suit on Saturday, alleging “blatant infringement” of its intellectual property, including characters and franchises such as “South Park,” “Star Trek,” “The Godfather,” and “Dora the Explorer” .
ByteDance Responds
ByteDance acknowledged the concerns and stated it “respects intellectual property rights” . The company announced it is “taking steps to strengthen current safeguards” to prevent unauthorized use of intellectual property and likeness by users . However, ByteDance has not yet provided details on the specific safeguards it plans to implement .
Seedance 2.0 and the Rise of AI-Generated Content
Launched on February 12, Seedance 2.0 allows users to create videos based on short text prompts . The app quickly gained attention for its ability to generate realistic deepfakes, including a viral video depicting a fight between Anakin Skywalker and Rey from Star Wars , and a Tom Cruise vs. Brad Pitt fight scene . The Motion Picture Association has highlighted the scale of unauthorized use of copyrighted works by the platform .
Industry Concerns and Future Implications
The legal challenges faced by ByteDance underscore the growing concerns within the entertainment industry regarding the use of AI and copyright infringement. As AI-powered tools become more sophisticated, the need for robust safeguards and clear legal frameworks to protect intellectual property becomes increasingly critical. The outcome of these legal battles could set a precedent for how AI-generated content is regulated and how copyright laws are applied in the age of artificial intelligence.