Disney accuses Google of massive AI copyright violations

The entertainment major has issued a cease-and-desist notice alleging Google’s AI systems unlawfully reproduced Disney characters and content at scale, escalating tensions between content owners and technology companies over generative AI and intellectual property rights.

Disney has accused Google of widespread copyright violations, claiming the technology giant’s artificial intelligence systems have generated and distributed content resembling iconic Disney characters without authorisation. The allegation surfaced just a day before Disney disclosed a major investment and licensing partnership with OpenAI, underscoring the contrasting approaches media companies are taking toward artificial intelligence.

Cease-and-desist letter sent to Google

Disney’s legal team has formally demanded that Google halt the alleged misuse of its intellectual property. In a cease-and-desist letter sent to Google’s general counsel, Disney argues that its copyrighted films, characters and franchises were copied without consent to train and operate Google’s generative AI models.

According to Disney, these AI tools have been used to create images and content that closely resemble protected characters and stories, which are then distributed to users. The company contends that this amounts to commercial exploitation of its creative assets without permission or compensation.

Allegations of large-scale replication

Disney claims that Google’s AI services function like a mass reproduction system, capable of generating and distributing versions of well-known characters at scale. The company has raised concerns that some AI-generated images reportedly carry Google’s Gemini branding, which Disney says could mislead users into believing the content is officially licensed or endorsed.

The entertainment giant alleges that Google’s tools have produced material resembling characters from a wide range of properties, spanning animated classics, blockbuster films and global franchises. Disney says examples include outputs similar to characters from Frozen, The Lion King, Toy Story, Marvel titles, Star Wars and The Simpsons, among others.

Google responds, cites existing safeguards

In response, Google has said it values its long-standing relationship with Disney and intends to continue discussions. The company maintains that its AI models are trained on publicly available information from the open web and that it has developed tools to help rights holders manage how their content is used online.

Google has pointed to existing mechanisms, including content management and copyright protection systems, which it says are designed to give creators and platforms greater control over their material.

Months of unresolved discussions

Disney has indicated that it had raised its concerns with Google over several months but felt compelled to escalate the matter after discussions failed to produce meaningful changes. Disney CEO Bob Iger has reiterated the company’s long-standing position of actively defending its intellectual property and taking action when it believes those rights are being undermined.

In its letter, Disney has called on Google to introduce stronger technical safeguards across its AI services to prevent unauthorised use of copyrighted content. The company has also made clear that it will not tolerate unapproved commercial exploitation of its characters or stories by AI platforms.

The dispute highlights growing friction between media companies and technology firms as generative AI becomes more powerful, raising fundamental questions about ownership, licensing and accountability in the digital age.