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ByteDance signs AI copyright pact with Hollywood trade group

By Thomson Reuters Aug 17, 2026 | 9:18 AM

Aug 17 (Reuters) – ByteDance and the Motion Picture Association on Monday signed an agreement ​to strengthen copyright safeguards ‌on the Chinese company’s AI video and image-generation models, months after the Hollywood trade group challenged its ‌handling ​of intellectual property.

The ⁠deal, which covers ⁠ByteDance’s Seedance video and Seedream image-generation models, follows a cease-and-desist letter the MPA sent in ​February over these tools.

• Disney and other studios in ⁠February raised concerns ⁠the AI tools could ​generate content featuring copyrighted characters ​and celebrity likenesses without authorization.

• ByteDance ‌said newer versions of the models include stronger intellectual-property protections.

• Models are offered through ⁠services including TikTok, CapCut and Dreamina.

• The MPA’s challenge came amid concerns ⁠that ‌Seedance could generate content ⁠featuring copyrighted film and ​television ‌characters without permission.

• Both ​sides said ⁠they will continue collaborating on safeguards for copyrighted content as AI technology evolves.

(Reporting by Rashika Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by ​Vijay Kishore)