ByteDance’s Seedance 2.0 Ignites Copyright Controversy with Hollywood Studios
ByteDance’s new AI video generator, Seedance 2.0, has sparked a heated debate as Hollywood studios and unions accuse the tool of enabling “blatant” copyright infringement. Launched on February 10, 2026, this advanced AI model can create hyper-realistic 15-second videos from text, images, video, or audio prompts, boasting native 2K resolution and synchronized audio.
The Motion Picture Association has reacted strongly, issuing a statement demanding ByteDance “immediately cease its infringing activity.” CEO Charles Rivkin expressed his concern stating, “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.”
Disney has responded by sending a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, accusing them of a “virtual smash-and-grab of Disney’s IP,” after users generated videos featuring characters like Spider-Man, Darth Vader, and Grogu (Baby Yoda). Paramount followed suit with its own legal letter on February 15.
A viral video showing AI-generated versions of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting prompted “Deadpool” screenwriter Rhett Reese to comment, “I hate to say it. It’s likely over for us.” Currently available to Chinese users through ByteDance’s Jianying app, with a global rollout via CapCut expected by late February 2026, Seedance 2.0 reportedly generates videos 30% faster than competing models. ByteDance responded that it is “taking steps to strengthen current safeguards” to prevent unauthorized use of intellectual property.
Sources: TechCrunch, CNBC