OpenAI’s Sora App Raises Copyright Concerns with Pokémon Content on App Store

OpenAI’s newly released Sora app has rapidly gained attention on the App Store for its innovative approach to generating animated clips from user prompts.

Developed by leading artificial intelligence company OpenAI—renowned for its advancements in natural language processing and generative models—the Sora app enables users to create animated content using only a handful of keywords.

The application has quickly made waves within both the technology and gaming communities due to its versatility and ease of use. Shortly after launch, OpenAI’s Chief Executive Officer, Sam Altman, demonstrated the app's capabilities by posting an animated video of himself surrounded by characters from Pokémon.

In a light-hearted remark accompanying his video, Altman quipped, "Hopefully, Nintendo won't take legal action against us." While intended as a joke, this statement highlights the significant legal considerations when it comes to the use of copyrighted material within AI-generated content. Industry reports have spotlighted the Sora app's ability to generate clips featuring characters and brands from a range of well-known franchises, including Pokémon from Nintendo, SpongeBob SquarePants, and even icons from McDonald's.

This functionality has raised concerns among intellectual property holders, as reproducing copyrighted material—even through transformative technology such as artificial intelligence—crosses into territory covered by intellectual property laws.

Nintendo, in particular, is known for rigorously protecting its flagship properties—including Pokémon, a franchise that has sold more than 480 million games globally and is a cornerstone of Nintendo Switch software sales.

Over the years, Nintendo has taken decisive action to defend its intellectual property rights against unauthorized use, especially on platforms like YouTube, social media, and app stores, to maintain brand integrity and prevent the unauthorized commercial exploitation of its characters. OpenAI has not publicly confirmed its policies regarding the use of copyrighted IP within the Sora app, but the growing prevalence of AI platforms capable of reproducing trademarked characters highlights an urgent legal and ethical debate.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve alongside rapid advancements in AI, developers, publishers, and tech companies face new challenges in securing creative rights while fostering innovation. At present, the Sora app remains available on the App Store, offering users the ability to experiment with animation generation across diverse themes.

However, as scrutiny from media and rights holders increases, the future of such applications may depend on closer collaboration between AI developers and content owners, alongside the formulation of clearer guidelines around digital asset usage.

For the gaming community and Nintendo fans alike, the Sora app’s viral moment underscores the complex intersection between technology, creativity, and copyright in the modern digital age.

Pokémon Sora App Store OpenAI Nintendo Sam Altman McDonald's SpongeBob SquarePants