Warner Bros Discovery, along with Disney and Paramount, is pursuing legal action against ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, regarding AI-generated videos that feature copyrighted characters such as Batman, Superman, and Darth Vader. Warner Bros' legal chief Wayne M. Smith sent a cease and desist letter to ByteDance's counsel, emphasizing that the recipient previously worked to protect Warner Bros' intellectual property.

Smith argues that ByteDance is deliberately infringing on iconic properties developed by Warner Bros over decades, potentially using these AI videos to promote their Seedance AI platform. Although ByteDance claims to be implementing safeguards, Warner Bros contends these measures are insufficient. The letter demands that ByteDance immediately cease all unauthorized use of their copyrighted works.

This legal action reflects broader industry concerns about AI-generated content and represents a coordinated response from major entertainment companies.