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The $108B Standoff: Why Warner Bros. Picked Netflix Over Paramount (Part III)

Warner Bros. Discovery has told shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance’s USD 108.4B hostile takeover and stick with its binding Netflix deal. This Part 3 update breaks down the board’s reasoning, the brewing fiduciary‑duty and antitrust fights, and the practical contract moves creators should make as Netflix, WBD, and Paramount battle for control of Hollywood’s most valuable IP.

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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.

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Business & Entertainment Diverge Legal Business & Entertainment Diverge Legal

Hostile Takeover: The $108 Billion War for Warner Bros. (Part II)

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...

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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…

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Artificial Intelligence, Creator Economy Diverge Legal Artificial Intelligence, Creator Economy Diverge Legal

AI, Privacy Law and Creators: What Changes in 2025?

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.

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The Real Reason OpenAI Just “Banned” Legal + Medical Advice

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.

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Creator Economy, Intellectual Property Diverge Legal Creator Economy, Intellectual Property Diverge Legal

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.

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Will AI Replace Lawyers? What Creators Really Risk with AI Contract Review

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…

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Intellectual Property, Creator Economy Diverge Legal Intellectual Property, Creator Economy Diverge Legal

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…

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