Disney CEO Bob Iger has confirmed that OpenAI will have a year of exclusivity to use Disney characters in Sora, the video-generating AI. This recently announced agreement will allow OpenAI to employ over 200 iconic characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Darth Vader, and Cinderella, in the creation of animated clips without infringing copyright. In statements to CNBC, Iger detailed that the exclusivity will last for the first year of the contract, after which Disney can negotiate licenses with other AI companies, such as Google, Anthropic, or Midjourney. The agreement includes a $1 billion investment in OpenAI and reflects Disney's intention to lead the integration of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. Iger emphasized that the company is committed to protecting its intellectual property but is open to collaborating with companies willing to pay for licenses and respect copyright. In fact, Disney has already sent a cease and desist letter to Google, accusing the tech company of allowing unauthorized recreations of characters in its AI models, such as Gemini. The agreement with OpenAI is limited to animated versions of the characters, excluding the use of original voices or the likeness of the actors. For example, Sora will be able to generate videos of Luke Skywalker only in his animated version, without using Mark Hamill's appearance. Both Iger and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, emphasize that these terms aim to protect creators and that the conditions of the agreement may be adjusted in the future as technology and collaboration between the two companies evolve. (Source: hipertextual.com)