Google Pursues Hollywood IP Licensing

Google executives have reportedly proposed licensing intellectual property (IP) for AI models to major Hollywood studios including Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery. According to the Los Angeles Times, no deals have been finalized yet, but the amounts under discussion average $40 million per character, potentially totaling tens of billions of dollars if dozens of characters are included.

Licensing Terms and Technical Measures

Google is simultaneously considering the introduction of a likeness-detection tool to monitor whether AI-generated content infringes on copyrights or alters celebrities' faces via YouTube. It is reported that some studios were asked to waive their right to sue Google in exchange for participating in this technology, which is expected to cause controversy.

Industry Reaction and Background

Google has been working to improve its relationships with Hollywood, including investing approximately $75 million in A24 and partnering with director Darren Aronofsky's production company. Industry experts interpret this as an 'image rehabilitation' strategy to gain acceptance for its AI platform, aiming to avoid repeating the copyright controversies of the YouTube era. Currently, there are no official AI licensing contracts notified to SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists).