ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN have each adopted policies to accept registrations of musical compositions partially generated using artificial intelligence tools. These works can now be registered directly with the individual societies.
All three PRO (Performance Rights Organisation) registration policies define a partially AI-generated musical work as one that combines elements of AI-generated musical content with elements of human authorship. These works will now be included as part of the full repertories licensed by each society.
Musical compositions that are entirely created using AI tools are not eligible for registration with any of the individual societies.
The policy alignment among the three major North American PROs reflects the fact that songwriters and composers increasingly incorporate a variety of AI tools into their creative process and workflow.
“While an increasing number of AI tools are training their models in an ethically responsible manner that respects the rights of human creators, the three PROs emphasised their firm position that AI technology companies ingesting and training models on copyrighted musical works without permission from, compensation for or credit to creators is not fair use, but theft,” said a statement.
The future of music can embrace AI and still remain deeply human
Jennifer Brown
ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN have advocated for enforcement of strong copyright laws and defended the rights of music creators in ongoing debates over AI policy across the US and Canada.
All three PROs have endorsed AI legislation, supported lawsuits filed on behalf of music creators against the illegal use of their work by AI companies around the globe and weighed in on major AI policy initiatives and studies, including those launched by the US Copyright Office, the White House and the government of Canada, among others.
“Songwriters and composers have always experimented with innovative tools as part of their creative process, and AI is no exception,” said Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP. “We are clarifying our registration policy to now welcome partially AI-generated musical works because we believe AI can be a powerful tool for our members, as long as the law puts humans first and technology companies play fair and respect the rights of creators.”
“This is an important first step in protecting human creativity as AI technologies evolve, while supporting the songwriters and composers who choose to use AI as a tool to enhance their creative process,” said Mike O’Neill, president & CEO, BMI. “All music creators will benefit from this aligned approach to the registration of partial AI-works that appropriately values creators’ contributions and ensures they are paid properly.”
“This alignment creates a legal and ethical path forward for AI in music,” said Jennifer Brown, CEO, SOCAN. “It recognises that music creators are embracing new tools, while reinforcing our commitment to what matters most: respect for their work and the protection of human creativity. The future of music can embrace AI and still remain deeply human.”
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