Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Music Copyright Protection

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has introduced transformative possibilities and unprecedented challenges for the field of music copyright protection. AI systems capable of generating original musical compositions, imitating the styles of existing artists, and manipulating copyrighted recordings have destabilized the foundational assumptions of copyright law, which was designed to protect the creative expressions of human authors. This article critically examines the implications of AI-generated music for copyright law, evaluating the adequacy of existing legal frameworks in addressing questions of authorship, originality, ownership, and infringement in the AI era. Drawing upon comparative analysis of copyright legislation in the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, as well as recent judicial decisions and scholarly discourse, this paper argues that the current copyright regime is insufficiently equipped to address the novel challenges posed by AI music generation. The article proposes a reformed copyright framework that balances the promotion of innovation with the protection of human creators, incorporating concepts of algorithmic transparency, equitable licensing, and the recognition of a sui generis category of AI-generated works.