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 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…

The conversation around artificial intelligence and data privacy is no longer just for tech giants and policymakers. It directly impacts your content, your contracts, and the long-term security of your creative business. With major federal legislation like Bill C-27 being paused and provinces like Quebec forging ahead with stringent new rules, understanding this maze is critical. Let's break down what’s happening and what it means for Canadian content creators.

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.

With the world buzzing about Taylor Swift's latest album release, it's easy to get lost in the music, the marketing, and the lore. But for creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs, the real masterclass isn't just in the songwriting - it's in the business strategy behind it all.

Your favourite artist is on stage, the light show is incredible, and you capture the perfect 30-second clip for TikTok or YouTube. But what if that viral moment comes with a hidden legal price tag? For the average social media user, and especially content creators, in Toronto and across Canada, understanding the copyright implications of recording and publishing live concert footage is non-negotiable. We break down the multiple layers of copyright, the limits of the Canadian Fair Dealing exception, and the real-world risk of a takedown notice or a lawsuit. Don't sign blindly. Don't post blindly. Protect your content and know the law.

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…

You’ve just wrapped a fantastic shoot for a brand. You brought your unique characters, your creative vision, and your audience to the table, creating compelling content to promote their event. The brand loves the final product, but when the contract discussion turns to ownership, you hit a wall. The brand insists they own the content outright because…

The Eminem vs. Meta lawsuit reignites the debate surrounding platform accountability for copyrighted content. This case appears to allege direct infringement by Meta's own features and a failure to address prior complaints.

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.

Eminem's music publishing company has filed a significant lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., seeking over $100 million in damages. This isn't just another celebrity headline; it's a major legal dispute that highlights critical questions about intellectual property rights, and digital licensing.

Inspired by Taylor Swift… Find out what Taylor’s journey can teach you about protecting your artistic and financial future…

Learn how Taylor Swift's fight for her music masters offers vital lessons in intellectual property, M&A, and contract law. The music industry, a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression and commercial enterprise, often becomes a battleground for ownership and control. Few sagas illustrate this struggle as vividly and publicly as that of Taylor Swift...

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.

When it comes to content creation, these are the biggest legal challenges my clients face, which span across a range of issues related to intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and the ever-evolving digital landscape.