MPA and ByteDance Sign MOU on AI Copyright Protections for Seedance and Seedream

The Motion Picture Association and ByteDance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a shared framework to protect intellectual property in connection with ByteDance's generative AI video and image models, including Seedance and Seedream — available across TikTok, CapCut, Dreamina, and related platforms. The agreement follows a cease-and-desist letter the MPA sent to ByteDance in February over Seedream 5.0 Lite and Seedance 2.0, which the parties say led to "constructive conversations" and measurable improvements in IP safeguards in subsequent model releases.

MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin framed the deal as a reaffirmation that copyright is foundational to the film and television industry, while ByteDance General Counsel John Rogovin said the MOU formalizes the company's commitment to responsible AI innovation alongside rightsholder protections. The MPA's membership includes Netflix, Paramount, Sony Pictures, Universal, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios.