ByteDance and Hollywood Strike Deal on AI Video IP Rights
The Motion Picture Association and ByteDance signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday to protect Hollywood's intellectual property across the Chinese company's generative AI tools. The agreement follows a cease-and-desist letter sent months earlier, which referenced a viral AI video featuring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in a fight. The framework applies to ByteDance's Seedance and Seedream models, which were updated last month with Seedance 2.5 and Seedream 50 Pro. MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin called copyright a cornerstone of the film industry, while ByteDance general counsel John Rogovin emphasized the company's commitment to responsible AI innovation. The MOU formalizes safeguards developed during constructive engagement between the parties.
Key facts
- ByteDance and the MPA signed an MOU on Monday, August 18, 2026.
- The MOU aims to protect Hollywood IP across ByteDance's AI video and image tools, including Seedance and Seedream.
- The MOU follows a cease-and-desist letter sent to ByteDance months earlier over alleged infringing activity.
- A viral AI video of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting in February 2026 prompted the MPA to accuse ByteDance of disregarding copyright law.
- Seedance 2.5 and Seedream 50 Pro were released last month with IP protections in place.
- MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin said the agreement reinforces commitment to protect creative content.
- ByteDance general counsel John Rogovin said responsible AI innovation goes hand in hand with protections for rightsholders.
- The MPA called the MOU an important step forward in establishing that IP can be protected in the generative AI space.
Entities
Artists
- Tom Cruise
- Brad Pitt
- Ruairi Robinson
Institutions
- ByteDance
- Motion Picture Association
Locations
- Hollywood
- United States
- China