Sony is developing technology to identify the extent to which copyrighted material contributes to content generated by artificial intelligence, according to a report by the Nikkei newspaper. The tool, developed by Sony’s AI division, is designed to function across multiple media formats, including music, film, and video games.
The development arrives as the music industry grapples with the increasing prevalence of AI-generated audio and the legal challenges it presents. Sony Music is currently engaged in legal action against AI music platforms Udio and Suno, alleging copyright infringement, a case that continues despite settlements reached between Udio and other major labels, Warner Music and Universal Music, according to Digital Music News.
The new technology aims to quantify the contribution of human-created works within AI-generated content. If an AI developer cooperates, the system will analyze training data to determine the percentage of sourced material. In cases where developers do not provide access to their training data, the tool will estimate the contribution by comparing AI-generated outputs to existing music, the Nikkei report stated.
This approach could potentially establish clearer frameworks for determining derivative works and establishing compensation for copyright holders. However, the technology’s success hinges on widespread adoption within the industry and the willingness of AI developers to participate.
Sony’s move is part of a broader industry effort to increase transparency regarding the utilize of copyrighted materials in AI models. Sony Music has invested in Vermillio, a company developing percentage-based detection tools focused on video content. Sony Music and Universal Music have partnered with SoundPatrol, which utilizes “Neural Fingerprinting” technology to identify copyrighted works in covers, remixes, and adaptations.
Universal Music is also collaborating with ProRata.ai on similar detection technologies. Digital streaming services, including Deezer, are independently developing their own AI detection tools. Despite these advancements, questions remain about the practical impact of these technologies, particularly in regions with weaker intellectual property enforcement.
Several generative AI companies maintain that their models are trained exclusively on authorized datasets. Platforms like Boomy and ElevenLabs continue to expand their services, while Klay Vision, which announced a collaboration with Universal Music nearly two years ago, has yet to launch its platform.
As AI-generated content continues to proliferate, the effectiveness and adoption of these detection technologies are expected to be central to the future of copyright enforcement and licensing frameworks. Sony, with a history of supporting music creation through technology spanning over sixty years – from the C-37A microphone to 360 Reality Audio – is positioning itself at the forefront of this evolving landscape, as highlighted on the Sony Professional Audio website.
