Alex Locke, an Associate in the firm’s IP Group, authored a new Law360 article examining Disney’s reported OpenAI Sora arrangement and why it may signal a shift from a primarily enforcement-driven posture to licensing-based participation in generative AI. In the piece (published January 12, 2026), Alex explains that public disclosures indicate Disney will invest approximately $1 billion in OpenAI and license hundreds of characters and related assets for use in Sora, while excluding real-world performer likenesses and voice rights, with select fan-inspired Sora videos potentially curated for Disney+.

He then explores what deals like this likely require in practice—how ownership and control of outputs using Disney IP may be structured, how platforms protect model and data interests, and why moderation and guardrails function as core license terms in order to keep AI-assisted fan creativity a controlled asset rather than a brand risk.

Click here to read Alex’s full article.