Disney Copyright Concerns with Google AI

Disney has initiated discussions regarding a significant licensing agreement, valued at $1 billion, with OpenAI, confirmed on December 11, 2025. This license grants OpenAI the right to utilise over 200 characters from Disney’s vast portfolio for the generation of AI-produced images and videos. However, a new development has emerged: Disney recently issued a cease-and-desist letter aimed at halting the immediate use of its characters, specifically calling out Google for alleged copyright infringement.

Allegations of Copyright Infringement

According to reports from Variety, legal representatives of Disney have accused Google of considerable copyright violations. The assertion indicates that Google’s Gemini AI system is leveraging numerous characters from various Disney franchises, including Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, as well as classic Disney figures to create AI-generated visual content. Moreover, the cease-and-desist correspondence included examples of Gemini-generated AI representations of characters such as Deadpool and Elsa from Frozen.

Ongoing Discussions Between Disney and Google

Currently, informal negotiations are underway between Disney and Google in an effort to resolve these copyright matters. Despite these talks, Gemini continues to produce images featuring Disney characters without any major alterations to its operations.

Google’s Response to Copyright Claims

A representative from Google commented that the company utilises publicly available data from the web to develop its AI technologies. They highlighted their commitment to innovations aimed at copyright protection, including Google-extended and Content ID for YouTube, which are designed to empower content owners and websites with control over their material.

Future of Disney’s Licensing Strategy

At this stage, Disney’s actions do not signal any impending legal steps, as the letter merely requests that Google, along with other AI developers like Meta, Midjourney, and Character.AI, cease the utilisation of its copyrighted materials. In contrast, Disney has expressed a willingness to collaborate with AI enterprises such as OpenAI under a paid licensing arrangement. This clearly indicates a strong stance from Disney against competitors who are appropriating its content without permission.