Is it possible to buy the rights but not the obligations to a property? Disney related

I’m confused. The article says:

Kowal then offered further insight into the legal battle, describing how Disney is attempting to argue “ that they have purchased the rights but not the obligations of the contract.”

So Disney is arguing its position without communicating?

My interpretation was that talks have stalled between the two sides. That happens (it certainly happened in my one experience with a lawsuit) and it sucks.