Sony Group is taking a significant step toward addressing the complex copyright challenges posed by artificial intelligence, unveiling new technology designed to identify the original music used in AI-generated songs. The development, reported Monday by Nikkei Asia, aims to provide a pathway for songwriters and rights holders to receive compensation when their work is incorporated into AI-created music. This move comes as the music industry grapples with the rapid advancement of AI music generators and the potential for widespread copyright infringement.
The technology operates in two distinct modes. According to the report, Sony can directly analyze the base model systems of AI developers who cooperate with the process, extracting data on the training materials used. When cooperation isn’t possible, the system compares finished AI-generated tracks against existing music catalogs to estimate which original works contributed to the final product. This dual approach reflects the varying levels of access Sony has to the inner workings of different AI music platforms.
The unveiling of this technology arrives amid increasing legal pressure on AI companies. Sony Music Entertainment, along with other major labels, recently filed a lawsuit against AI music generators Suno and Udio, alleging “mass infringement” of copyrighted material. While Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have since reached settlements with Udio and established licensing partnerships, Sony has remained notably quiet on the legal front, though it did settle with Suno in November. The company’s new technology suggests a shift toward proactively addressing the issue rather than solely relying on litigation.
A Revenue-Sharing Framework on the Horizon
Sony envisions its new technology as the foundation for a revenue-sharing framework, allowing original creators to be compensated based on their contribution to AI-generated music. Here’s a critical development, as current copyright law struggles to maintain pace with the speed of AI innovation. Determining fair compensation for the use of copyrighted material in AI training and output has become a central debate within the music industry.
The system was developed by Sony AI, the research and development division of Sony Group, and a related paper has reportedly been accepted at an international conference. This indicates the technology has undergone peer review and is considered a credible advancement in the field. Beyond music, Sony AI has also been working on methods to prevent AI systems from replicating artistic styles, including those of the renowned Studio Ghibli, demonstrating a broader commitment to protecting intellectual property.
Navigating Japanese Copyright Law
Under Japanese copyright law, music rights are divided into two main categories: copyrights held by songwriters, composers, and publishers, and neighboring rights held by performers and record producers. Sony Group, with its extensive holdings in music labels and publishing – including a stake in half of Michael Jackson’s catalog – is uniquely positioned to navigate these complexities and collect royalties when music is used in various contexts, such as films, television shows, and streaming services. These entities then distribute payments to the respective rights holders.
While Sony has not yet announced a specific timeline for the commercial rollout of the technology, the company anticipates that AI developers will integrate it into their models and that content companies will utilize it during licensing negotiations. This suggests a phased approach, starting with collaboration and integration before potentially moving toward broader enforcement.
Industry-Wide Efforts to Address AI Copyright
Sony’s initiative is part of a larger trend within the music industry to address the challenges posed by AI. In October, Sony Music Group joined Spotify in developing “responsible” AI music products. Spotify announced plans to build a generative AI research lab and product team, committing to significant investment in the field. This collaboration signals a desire to harness the potential of AI while mitigating the risks to artists and rights holders.
Further demonstrating this collaborative spirit, Universal Music Group and Sony Music partnered in September 2025 with SoundPatrol, a Stanford University-affiliated research lab. SoundPatrol has developed “groundbreaking neural fingerprinting technologies” designed to detect copyright infringement in AI music. The lab’s “forensic AI model for audio-video fingerprinting” aims to provide a more accurate and reliable method for identifying unauthorized use of copyrighted material. SoundPatrol was co-founded by Michael Ovitz, co-founder of Creative Artists Agency, and Walter De Brouwer, a computational linguistics PhD.
Concerns Over Deepfakes and Copyright Reform
The rise of AI-generated music has also raised concerns about the proliferation of deepfakes. In March 2025, Sony Music challenged proposed UK copyright reforms, revealing that it had requested the removal of over 75,000 AI-generated deepfakes of its artists’ content. This highlights the need for robust legal frameworks to protect artists from unauthorized use of their likenesses and voices.
The development of Sony’s music-identification technology represents a proactive step toward establishing a more equitable system for AI-generated music. As AI continues to reshape the music landscape, the ability to accurately track and compensate original creators will be crucial for fostering innovation while protecting the rights of artists and songwriters. The next step will be observing how Sony integrates this technology into practical applications and how the industry responds to its implementation.
What are your thoughts on Sony’s new technology and its potential impact on the music industry? Share your comments below and let us know how you think AI will continue to shape the future of music.
