# China’s MiniMax curbs overseas access to new AI video model over copyright disputes > Source: > Published: 2026-08-04 12:00:12+00:00 # China’s MiniMax curbs overseas access to new AI video model over copyright disputes H3 model enters the generative video battleground, but licensing carve-outs restrict use in US, EU, UK and South Korea [Minxiao Chang](/author/minxiao-chang)in Shenzhen [artificial intelligence company MiniMax](https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3362540/video-ai-minimax-challenges-bytedance-low-price-open-weights-new-h3-model?module=inline&pgtype=article)has open-sourced its new H3 video model but imposed licensing conditions on users in major overseas markets including the US and European Union, underscoring the [copyright challenges](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3357005/surge-ai-related-court-cases-fuels-calls-china-clarify-its-laws?module=inline&pgtype=article)in generative video AI. After the Shanghai-based company released the model’s weights to developers on Monday, users found that the licence restricted free access in the US, EU, UK and South Korea. The weights – the underlying parameters that encode its intelligence – allow developers to use, copy, modify and distribute the software without paying MiniMax. To ensure compliance, developers in major markets must “apply for a formal licence”, the company said. [compliance controls](https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3360399/china-works-ai-safety-benchmark-regulators-target-large-model-risks?module=inline&pgtype=article)and safeguards were in place, it could authorise usage. Access via application programming interface – a paid subscription through the firm’s website or authorised third parties – remained globally available, it said. MiniMax said the regional carve-out was due to regulatory uncertainties and ongoing copyright-related legal proceedings.