ByteDance's Seedance 2.0 AI Video Generator Faces Legal Backlash Over Copyright Infringement

Hollywood industry organizations have initiated a coordinated response against ByteDance's recently launched AI-powered video generation model, Seedance 2.0, citing widespread copyright infringement concerns. The Chinese technology conglomerate, which recently completed the divestiture of TikTok's U.S. operations while maintaining equity in the resulting joint venture, deployed Seedance 2.0 to market earlier this week.

The updated model is currently accessible to Chinese users through ByteDance's Jianying application, with plans for global rollout via the CapCut platform. Functionally comparable to OpenAI's Sora, Seedance 2.0 enables users to generate video content (currently capped at 15-second duration) through natural language text prompts.

Industry Concerns Over Content Safeguards

Similar to previous AI video generation tools, Seedance 2.0 has drawn immediate criticism for insufficient content moderation mechanisms, particularly regarding unauthorized reproduction of celebrity likenesses and proprietary intellectual property. A demonstration video depicting synthesized footage of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt generated significant concern within the entertainment industry, prompting screenwriter Rhett Reese to comment on the potential disruption to traditional content creation workflows.

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) issued a formal statement through CEO Charles Rivkin demanding immediate cessation of infringing activities. "In a single day, the Chinese AI service Seedance 2.0 has engaged in unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works on a massive scale," Rivkin stated. "By launching a service that operates without meaningful safeguards against infringement, ByteDance is disregarding well-established copyright law that protects the rights of creators and underpins millions of American jobs."

Coordinated Legal Response

Multiple industry stakeholders have mobilized against the platform:

The unauthorized generation of content featuring Disney-owned intellectual property, including Spider-Man, Darth Vader, and Grogu (colloquially known as Baby Yoda), prompted the entertainment conglomerate's legal intervention. Disney's cease-and-desist letter accuses ByteDance of "hijacking Disney's characters by reproducing, distributing, and creating derivative works featuring those characters."

Industry Precedents and Licensing Frameworks

While Disney has taken enforcement action against unauthorized AI implementations, including similar proceedings against Google, the company has demonstrated willingness to engage with AI developers through structured licensing agreements. Disney recently executed a three-year licensing arrangement with OpenAI, establishing a framework for authorized AI training and deployment.

ByteDance has not yet issued a public response to the allegations or legal demands.

Sources:
Seedance 2.0 Official Page
Wall Street Journal Coverage
Motion Picture Association Statement
SAG-AFTRA Statement
Axios Report on Disney Legal Action