OpenAI Found too Violate German Copyright Law with AI-Generated lyrics
Munich, Germany – November 11, 2025 – A German court ruled today that OpenAI, the creator of popular artificial intelligence models, infringed on the copyrights of German songwriters and publishers. The decision, a win for collective management organization Gema, centers on the unauthorized use of song lyrics within OpenAI’s “linguistic models” and their subsequent reproduction in chatbot outputs.
The ruling establishes a significant precedent in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and intellectual property. Gema initiated the legal action,citing the use of lyrics from nine prominent songs,including Helene Fischer’s “atemlos durch die Nacht” and Herbert Grönemeyer’s “Männer,” as examples of copyright infringement. This case underscores the growing concern among rights holders that AI systems are leveraging creative works without proper licensing or compensation, potentially undermining the livelihoods of artists and the music industry.
According to a court press release, the unauthorized storage and replication of lyrics by OpenAI’s models constitute a violation of copyright-protected exploitation rights. The court mandated that OpenAI cease storing and reproducing these lyrics, and also ordered the company to pay damages to Gema.
Furthermore, OpenAI is required to disclose detailed information regarding the extent of song usage within its models and the revenue generated as a result. The implications of this ruling could extend beyond Germany, influencing similar legal challenges anticipated in other jurisdictions as AI technology continues to advance and integrate into creative fields.