Who Owns What? Big Battles Over Talent and AI Are Heating Up

This week, two high-profile disputes are putting questions of ownership and control front and center in the entertainment world. Disney has filed a lawsuit against YouTube parent company Google, accusing it of poaching a top licensing executive just weeks before major renewal negotiations. Meanwhile, Senator Josh Hawley is pushing for tougher rules to protect creatives from AI-generated content — and calling out Hollywood studios for their silence. Together, these headlines reflect an industry grappling with loyalty, leverage, and the limits of IP protection.

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ChaseLawyers Newsletter
May 27, 2025

Hi there,

This week’s news pulls back the curtain on how power really moves in entertainment. First, Disney is suing YouTube over claims it deliberately lured away a key executive just before major licensing talks — a move Disney calls “strategic sabotage.” At the same time, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley is putting pressure on Hollywood to speak up about AI and copyright, demanding real protections for creators in the age of generative content. Whether you're in business, production, or creative rights, both stories serve as reminders: control isn’t just about contracts — it’s about timing, leverage, and staying ahead.

Disney Sues YouTube Over Executive Poaching and Licensing Fallout

Disney has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging that YouTube intentionally poached its Head of Business Affairs, Derek Chang, just weeks before key content licensing renewal talks. According to the complaint, YouTube timed the hire to disrupt negotiations and gain insider leverage on Disney’s streaming and syndication deals. Disney claims breach of contract, interference with business relations, and misappropriation of confidential information. This case highlights how competitive and high-stakes executive moves can be — especially when major licensing revenue is on the line.

Senator Hawley Presses Hollywood for Action on AI and Copyright

During a high-profile Senate Judiciary hearing, Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) criticized the film industry for its silence on AI and copyright protections. He called on major studios to take a stand against AI-generated content that uses artists' likenesses, voices, or work without consent. The hearing explored legislative solutions for protecting creators as AI tools grow more powerful — and more invasive. Hawley’s message to Hollywood was blunt: get involved now, or risk losing control of your creative rights.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Disney Sues YouTube Over Poaching Exec Ahead of Licensing Renewal Deals

Disney has filed a lawsuit accusing YouTube of stealing a top executive to gain an edge in upcoming licensing negotiations. The case could redefine how far companies can go when talent and timing collide.

Hollywood Gets a Boost From a Senator in the Fight Over AI Copyright

At a recent Senate hearing, Josh Hawley called on Hollywood to speak up about AI-generated content and its legal risks. Lawmakers are now eyeing new rules to protect artists and creators.

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Barry Chase, Esq. is an honors graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, and the founding partner of ChaseLawyers®. In addition to his entertainment attorney legal practice, Mr. Chase lectures regularly on the representation of media personalities, the legal “do’s and don’ts” of music, television, and film production, and the intricacies of film rights option agreements.

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