OpenAI is not paying Disney in cash for those character rights. Instead, Disney is being compensated entirely in stock warrants—options to buy more equity in OpenAI at today’s valuation—on top of its already announced $1 billion equity investment. This isn’t just a licensing deal. It is a bet that generative AI will be so valuable that trading immediate IP revenue for upside in the AI company itself is worth the risk. For creators, this shift has profound implications.

Disney’s latest moves with OpenAI and Google didn’t just shake up Hollywood—they quietly reset the baseline for what creators should be asking for in every contract in 2026. This article is your quick 3-step reference guide (with practical tips) that you can keep beside you when you mark up a deal, or share with your clients to help them negotiate fair deals. Bonus: check out the 3 Step Checklist for Your Next Brand Deal at the end!

Disney and OpenAI announced a three-year, $1 billion licensing deal that fundamentally redefines how IP holders negotiate with AI platforms. Starting in early 2026, the Sora video generation platform will host over 200 iconic characters from the Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars universes—allowing users to create sanctioned AI-generated content.

The $82.7 billion Netflix-WBD deal is no longer a definitive agreement. Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile tender offer for the entire company at $30.00 per share in all-cash, dramatically escalating the auction to an enterprise value of $108.4 billion. This aggressive maneuver immediately places the WBD Board in a fiduciary trap. Under M&A principles (such as the Revlon standard), the Board's duty shifts to maximizing shareholder value, forcing them to justify why the lower, stock-component Netflix offer is superior to a higher, all-cash bid. The decision hinges not only on price but on opposing antitrust...

The Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros.'s film and TV studios, including HBO and HBO Max, for an estimated $82.7 billion is not merely a corporate transaction; it's a structural shift that concentrates unprecedented power and IP under one roof. This deal eliminates a major buyer for new content, leading to market consolidation that directly impacts every creator's ability to negotiate favourable terms, compensation, and ownership. The size of this transaction immediately triggered intense scrutiny under anti-trust and competition law globally, with major…

ChatGBPT’s usage policy change isn't an altruistic act to protect the public, nor is it a concession to pressure from regulated industry professionals.

This is a cold, calculated, and entirely self-motivated business decision. OpenAI is not in the business of protecting the profit margins of lawyers or doctors. It is in the business of becoming one of the most valuable companies in the world. This decision was made by OpenAI's risk-assessment strategists to protect one entity and one entity only: OpenAI itself.

You might’ve heard by now that Sneaky Dee’s, in an attempt to rally fans and promote its World Series watch party, used the official Blue Jays logo and images of players in its social media posts.

It’s impossible to ignore the headlines proclaiming that the legal profession is under threat from Artificial Intelligence. The narrative is compelling: sophisticated AI will soon be able to analyze cases, draft flawless documents, and provide legal help at a fraction of the cost, leading to a future where clients prefer a chatbot to a boardroom. For creators accustomed to the fast pace of technological change…

In Part 2 of this series, we take a deep dive into the critical clauses that often leave creators exposed and equip you with essential knowledge.

The creative industry is booming, but as more artists, influencers, and independent creators step into the digital marketplace, legal challenges are becoming unavoidable. Whether you’re an artist licensing your work, a content creator negotiating brand deals, or a small business leveraging social media for growth, legal protection is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Do you need a contract when you’re working with friends? Mixing business with pleasure comes with unique risks that can strain, and even break, friendships if not managed properly. Here’s what you need to know before going into business with a friend.

In the context of content creators, a carve-out is designed to safeguard their intellectual property rights and ensure their legal interests are protected.

Watch out for these red flags on your next brand deal

Whether you're a startup founder with a revolutionary idea, a content creator just entering the market, or a seasoned business owner expanding your empire, having a lawyer on your team is not only a smart choice, but an essential one.

In the dynamic world of social media influencing, the roles of lawyers and agents are more intertwined than ever before. Understanding the difference in these roles is crucial for safeguarding your rights.

Incorporating a business offers unique benefits and considerations – especially when entering into commercial contracts. Find out if incorporation is right for you.