Protecting Musicians in the Age of AI: Why Intellectual Property Matters More Than Ever

World Intellectual Property Day 2025 shines a spotlight on a critical issue: how intellectual property (IP) rights support the music industry and protect the creators behind the art we love. This year’s theme “IP and music: Feel the beat of IP” emphasizes how creativity and innovation, supported by IP rights, keep music pulsing through our everyday lives. As technology continues to evolve, the role of intellectual property has never been more important, especially in light of artificial intelligence’s (AI) rapidly growing presence in music creation. IP enables musicians, composers, and performers to continue their work, ensuring that the music we enjoy thrives in a world where innovation and technology go hand in hand.

The intersection of AI and creativity presents both opportunities and challenges—particularly when it comes to ownership and the protection of creators.

The Power and Problem of AI in Music Creation

AI has made incredible progress in music, capable of composing original songs, copying styles, and even producing full albums. However, AI doesn’t create entirely from scratch. It learns from existing music, often using copyrighted works to "train" itself. Many AI systems rely on the work of real musicians, but without compensating them or seeking permission.

There is a growing divergence of opinion between AI developers and music companies, publishers, and musicians. AI developers argue that their use of music falls under "fair use," a legal concept allowing limited use of copyrighted work without permission. Creators, however, contend that using their music to generate new works without compensation violates copyright laws. For example, in the United States, over 400 Hollywood creative leaders signed an open letter to the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy urging the administration to refrain from relaxing copyright laws to benefit AI companies.

While AI and technology play an important role in innovation, they should not undermine musicians’ rights. As developments continue, it is essential to ensure that creators are not exploited in the process.

The Economic Importance of Creative Industries

The protection of musicians' rights is not only important for the music industry but also has significant economic implications globally. Creative industries, including music, film, television, and publishing, contribute billions of dollars to the global economy. In 2024, the global music industry alone was valued at $29.6 billion, with a 4.8% growth compared to the previous year, largely driven by the growth of streaming subscriptions (IFPI, 2024).

Creative industries also play a key role in job creation, employing millions of people worldwide across various sectors, from performers to technical staff. For example, the global creative industries sector employs over 30 million people (UNESCO, 2024). Beyond direct financial contributions, these industries support other sectors such as tourism, education, and technology, amplifying their overall economic impact.

How Copyright Laws Are Struggling to Keep Up

As AI reshapes the creative industries, countries are working to update copyright laws to address new challenges posed by AI-generated content. For example, in the European Union, the AI Act of 2024 includes some copyright provisions, but it was created before AI became a major force in the creative sector, raising concerns that it may not fully protect artists’ rights. Critics argue it doesn’t go far enough to ensure creators are fairly compensated for works used in AI training.

Similarly, the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched consultations to review the impact of AI on copyright law, acknowledging that current regulations are outdated in the face of technological advancements. Proposed changes include allowing AI companies broader use of copyrighted works for training, with an opt-out mechanism for creators who wish to control the use of their content. However, the plans have sparked opposition, particularly from the creative industries, who argue that such changes could undermine their economic interests and moral rights. The government, however, believes that reforming copyright laws will help the UK remain competitive in the global AI landscape, with the final decisions set to reflect the feedback from this consultation.

WIPO's Role in Assisting Creators

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has been instrumental in addressing the challenges posed by AI to the music industry and intellectual property rights. Through initiatives like the “WIPO Conversations on AI and IP” and ongoing studies on AI’s impact on copyright, WIPO fosters discussions between creators, innovators, and policymakers to explore how IP can protect artists' rights in the age of AI. WIPO has also recognized the need to update international copyright laws to reflect the new realities of AI-driven creativity, and it continues to advocate for equitable recognition for creators whose work is used by AI systems.

New Solutions for the AI Age

Some startups are offering innovative solutions that facilitate collaboration between AI companies and creators. Platforms like Human Native enable AI developers to license music directly from musicians, ensuring appropriate payment. Meanwhile, ProRata is developing an answer engine that would allocate a portion of an AI company’s revenue to content creators whenever their work is included in its responses. These models have the potential to pave the way for a more equitable system, where creators are fairly compensated for their contributions to AI-generated content

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The time to act is now. We must urge decision-makers to update copyright laws to reflect the evolving digital landscape, ensuring that musicians and other creators are properly supported. Let’s make sure the voices of creators are heard and valued, securing a future where innovation thrives alongside the heart of creativity. We must safeguard the future of music and the arts—because without the artists, there is no art.