Posted on February 22, 2026 by Neil Cole
Warner Bros. has filed a cease and desist order against ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, over the unauthorized use of its iconic superhero, Superman, in AI-generated videos. The studio claims that ByteDance's platform has been hosting and promoting videos that use AI technology to create content featuring Superman and other beloved characters, without permission from the copyright holders.
The action comes in response to the rise of AI-generated videos that manipulate well-known intellectual properties, specifically Superman, Batman, and other prominent figures from Warner Bros.' extensive catalog. According to the the studio, these videos have been circulating on TikTok, misleading viewers and infringing upon Warner Bros.' exclusive rights to its characters.
Warner Bros. asserts that TikTok's algorithms have allowed for the distribution of videos that feature Superman in unauthorized scenarios, raising concerns about the potential for confusion among fans and consumers. The studio argues that the unlicensed use of Superman, one of the world's most recognizable characters, not only undermines their control over the brand but also jeopardizes the integrity of the character's legacy.
The cease and desist order seeks an immediate injunction to halt the continued use of Superman in AI-generated videos on TikTok, as well as potential financial compensation for damages. Warner Bros. also demands that ByteDance implement safeguards to prevent future instances of such unauthorized content, highlighting the growing need for clearer regulations around the use of artificial intelligence in entertainment.
This move underscores Warner Bros.' commitment to protecting its intellectual properties, particularly Superman, whose status as a global icon is integral to the studio's brand and licensing efforts. Should the issue expand into a lawsuit, the outcome of a potential trial could set a significant precedent in the entertainment industry, addressing the complex issue of AI-generated content and the need for stronger protections for creators and studios in the digital age.
×
×
English (US) · 