Universal Music Group and Sony Music Partner with Soundpatrol to Protect Artist Rights in the Age of AI
Universal Music group (UMG) and Sony Music Entertainment are collaborating with technology company Soundpatrol to address the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to artist copyright and intellectual property. The partnerships underscore both companies’ commitment to safeguarding the creative work of their artists in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
According to Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, the relationship with Soundpatrol is rooted in “wearing solutions to the table that support the whole industry,” emphasizing a shared dedication to protecting artistic integrity.
Dennis Kooker, President of Global Digital Business at Sony Music, highlighted the potential benefits of AI for artists and creators, but stressed the importance of responsible implementation. he stated that their collaboration with Soundpatrol is focused on “respecting the rights of artists to build a sustainable and equitable ecosystem for everyone.”
Soundpatrol’s technology offers a potential advantage in ongoing legal battles against AI companies accused of copyright infringement through the unauthorized use of copyrighted music to train AI models. The company’s “neuronal fingerprint” technology can identify content,even when mixed with other sources,in real-time,providing algorithmic data to support claims of copyright violation and detect previously unnoticed AI-generated infringements.
“This is the first technology of its apparition implemented to protect all copyright holders and creators of any type of intellectual property,” declared Soundpatrol Chairman of the Board, Ovitz. CEO Brouwer added that proactively integrating these “neural signatures” into streaming infrastructure is crucial for artists to maintain control, authenticity, and monetization of their work in the age of generative AI.
Soundpatrol’s progress is guided by a team of experts including advisors from Stanford and Cornell Universities, and draws on talent from leading institutions like Carnegie mellon, Brown, and UC Berkeley. The company’s leadership also includes experienced technology veterans from companies like myspace and Cubecon.
These partnerships signal a proactive approach by UMG and Sony Music to navigate the complexities of AI and ensure a future where artists are fairly compensated and their creative rights are protected.
