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OpenAI Faces Copyright Backlash Over Sora Video Generation Platform

OpenAI Faces Mounting Copyright Backlash Over Sora

OpenAI is under fire from Hollywood agencies and studios over Sora's copyright violations and inadequate intellectual property protections.

  • Sora app launched September 30 in US Canada
  • Creative Artists Agency condemns OpenAI on October 8
  • Motion Picture Association demands action on October 7
  • OpenAI announces opt-in copyright controls October 3
  • Revenue sharing framework planned for rights holders
  • Videos feature copyrighted characters without explicit permission
  • Copyright experts question legal viability of approach
  • App generates high definition clips up to 10 seconds

OpenAI is under increasing pressure from Hollywood over its Sora video generation platform, which launched on September 30, 2025 [1][2]. The app allows users to create AI-generated videos featuring copyrighted characters without explicit permission from rights holders [3][4]. CEO Sam Altman announced on October 3 that the company will shift to an opt-in copyright model and introduce revenue sharing for creators [5][6].

Creative Artists Agency publicly criticized OpenAI on October 8, 2025, stating that Sora poses serious risks to its clients’ intellectual property [7][8]. The agency accused OpenAI of dismissing global copyright standards and creator rights. CAA emphasized that control, consent, and compensation are fundamental requirements for copyrighted content use.

Motion Picture Association Demands Immediate Action

On October 7, 2025, the Motion Picture Association released a statement urging OpenAI to take decisive action against copyright infringement [9][10]. MPA CEO Charles Rivkin stated that videos violating member studios’ content have surged across the platform since Sora’s launch. The organization emphasized that established copyright law applies to AI-generated content.

OpenAI Announces Policy Shift and Revenue Model

In response to mounting criticism, Sam Altman published a blog post on October 3, 2025, outlining two major changes [5][6]. First, OpenAI will provide rights holders with granular control over character generation through an opt-in model. Second, the company plans to implement a revenue-sharing framework for copyright holders who permit their characters to be used.

Altman acknowledged that users are generating far more video content than expected, often for small audiences [11]. He stated that OpenAI will experiment with various monetization approaches within Sora before rolling out a consistent model across its product suite.

Key Features and Ongoing Concerns

The Sora app launched exclusively on iOS in the United States and Canada [1][2]. The platform includes several notable capabilities:

  • Generation of high-definition clips up to 10 seconds long with synced audio
  • Cameo feature allowing users to appear in AI-generated videos after identity verification
  • Physics-accurate video generation that follows real-world movement laws
  • Social feed similar to TikTok for sharing user-generated content
  • Invite-only access during initial rollout phase

Despite OpenAI’s promised changes, copyright experts note that the opt-out approach may remain legally questionable, as rights holders retain the ability to pursue statutory damages for infringements regardless of any opt-out mechanism [7][8]. The company has not yet provided a timeline for implementing the new opt-in controls or revenue-sharing model.

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Editorial Timeline

Revisions
— by Elena Voren
SEO improvements have been made to the article.
— by Nodin Laramie
  1. Fully rewritten article with October 2025 verified facts
  2. Updated all dates and quotes to October 8-12 2025 timeframe
  3. Added 11 reliable source citations from Reuters Bloomberg TechCrunch
  4. Restructured content with BLUF opening and clear sections
  5. Added comprehensive FAQ section with three detailed questions
  6. Included bullet list of key Sora platform features
  7. Updated headline and meta description for current accuracy
  8. Enhanced TL;DR section with eight key points

Correction Record

Accountability
— by Nodin Laramie
  1. Clarified app launch date to September 30, 2025.
  2. Updated all copyright policy references to cite CAA and MPA statements from October 8–12, 2025.
  3. Added new verified revenue-sharing policy details from Sam Altman's October 3 announcement.
  4. Corrected prior speculative passages to neutral, citation-supported statements only.

FAQ

Why is OpenAI facing criticism from Hollywood?

OpenAI is under fire because Sora allows users to generate AI videos featuring copyrighted characters without explicit permission from rights holders. Major agencies like CAA and the Motion Picture Association have publicly condemned the company for dismissing copyright standards and creator rights.

When did the Sora app officially launch?

The Sora app launched on September 30, 2025, exclusively on iOS in the United States and Canada. The platform is currently invite-only, though ChatGPT Pro users can access the Sora 2 model without an invitation.

What is the planned revenue-sharing model for Sora?

OpenAI plans to share revenue with rights holders who permit their characters to be used in Sora-generated videos. Sam Altman stated on October 3 that the company will experiment with various monetization approaches before implementing a consistent model across its products.