Disney Offers $20 Million for Character.AI IP License
The proposed bankruptcy bid covers selected intellectual property, not an outright acquisition.
By Ledger Staff · Originally reported · Posted
Disney agreed to offer $20 million for a non-exclusive, perpetual license to selected Character.AI intellectual property and company claims, Deadline reported on October 13, 2026. The agreement preceded the startup’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Disney is the stalking-horse bidder, with its offer subject to higher or better proposals.
The proposed arrangement includes Disney providing resources during a transition while Character.AI explores a sale. Disney appointed the startup’s former chief executive Karandeep Anand as its first chief technology officer the previous month. The filing and proposed license do not establish that Disney has completed an acquisition of Character.AI.
