Disney has taken a legal step against Google, as reported by Variety.
On Wednesday, the company sent Google a cease-and-desist letter that accuses the organization of large-scale copyright infringement.
Disney claims Google used its copyrighted works to train AI models and then allowed those models to produce and share unauthorized content.
The letter says Google’s systems created images and videos featuring Disney’s characters and then distributed them for commercial use.
Disney describes Google’s AI tools as a “virtual vending machine” that can reproduce and render Disney’s characters in seconds.
The letter argues that this happens on a “mass scale” and without any permission.
Disney also makes another point. Some of the generated images appear with the Google Gemini logo.
According to Disney, this branding suggests the output is official or approved, even though it is not. Disney calls this “false implication” harmful.
The letter lists several affected franchises. These include Frozen, The Lion King, Moana, The Little Mermaid, Deadpool, and others.
Disney suggests the issue may extend even further across its catalog.
Google’s Response
Google did not confirm or deny the claims; however, the company said it plans to “engage” with Disney.
A spokesperson emphasized Google’s long relationship with Disney and expressed interest in continued talks.
The spokesperson also explained that Google uses “public data from the open web” to train its AI models.
They added that Google has created copyright tools, including Google-extended and YouTube’s Content ID.
These tools help websites and rights holders manage how their content appears across Google platforms.
Still, Disney argues that these safeguards are not enough.
Also read: Google Calls for Looser Copyright Restrictions on AI Training
Timing
The timing of Disney’s letter is notable. On the same day, the company warned Google, Disney announced a major deal with OpenAI worth $1 billion over three years.
Under this deal, Disney will bring many of its characters to OpenAI’s Sora video generator and other tools.
Through this partnership, users will be able to create content featuring many Disney characters with full authorization.
This letter suggests Disney wants to control AI use of its intellectual property rather than block AI outright.
The company appears willing to partner with AI firms, but only under strict licensing terms.
Disney’s Legal Strategy
Disney’s warning to Google is not an isolated event. The company has challenged other AI companies in recent months.
It sent a legal notice to Character.AI earlier this year. It also joined lawsuits against Midjourney and MiniMax over similar copyright concerns.
These actions show that Disney is becoming more aggressive in protecting its intellectual property.
