DIVERGE
DIGITIAL
Where law meets innovation.
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DIVERGE LEGAL
the blog
Disney–OpenAI: What the $1B Licensing Deal Means for Creator IP
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 Question – Should the Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal Be Blocked? (Part I)
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…
Sneak & Desist: A Toronto Trademark Battle Every Business & Brand Should Understand
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.
Behind the Curtain: Taylor Swift’s Legal Blueprint
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.
The Viral Concert Clip: Guide to Live Performance Copyright
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.
Who Owns Your Content? A Creator's Guide to Copyright on Brand Deals
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…
Eminem vs. Meta Lawsuit: Protecting Your Creative Work in the Digital Age (Part II)
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.
Eminem vs. Meta Lawsuit: Understanding Music Copyright in the Digital Age (Part I)
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.
The Taylor Swift Story: A Masterclass in Intellectual Property
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...
Why Every Creator Needs a Lawyer on Their Team (Before the Big Deal)
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.
Carve-Out Clauses in Brand Deals: How Creators Protect Their IP
In the context of content creators, a carve-out is designed to safeguard their intellectual property rights and ensure their legal interests are protected.
The Hidden Legal Risks in Your Brand Deals (What To Know Before You Sign)
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.
Disclaimer
Diverge Legal by Kicz Legal Professional Corporation (“Diverge Legal” or the “Company”) takes reasonable care to make sure that the information on Diverge Digital (the “blog”) is complete at the time it was posted. However, the information may not be comprehensive or current and is provided for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon for legal advice. You should consult a qualified lawyer on any specific legal question or matter.
Diverge Legal is not responsible and all liability is excluded for any damage or loss due to any reliance upon the information on this blog. Use of the information on this blog is at your own risk.
Links from this blog are provided for convenience, and do not suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by the author or the Company. Diverge Legal is not responsible for the content of external sites that link to this blog or that are linked from this blog.
This blog is for informational purposes only. The content is not legal advice and no lawyer-client relationship is created by accessing or otherwise using this blog or by communicating with the author by email or through this blog. Neither the Company nor the author of the blog guarantee the confidentiality of any communication via email or through this blog.