Copyright in AI
Copyright in the age of artificial intelligence and the role of platforms such as Shamusic
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming many sectors, and music is no exception. Today it is common to find songs completely generated by algorithms or, at least, assisted by AI tools that help compose melodies, lyrics and even produce artificial voices. This technological revolution raises profound questions about authorship, exploitation rights and legal protection of works created (or co-created) by machines.
Can an AI be copyrighted?
Current legislation in most countries, including Spain and the European Union, does not recognize artificial intelligence as a subject of rights. That is, an AI cannot be a copyright holder. This implies that, even if a song has been generated by an AI, there must always be a natural person (or legal entity) who is recognized as the author, either for having controlled the creative process, directed the parameters of the model or edited the result.
This figure is known as the “human author behind the AI”. Therefore, if you use an AI tool to generate part or all of a song, you are the one who must assume the authorship and, therefore, the rights and responsibilities that come with it.
What about collective rights and monetization?
In AI-generated works, especially when using models pre-trained with existing music, there may also be legal risks arising from possible infringement of pre-existing rights. If a model has been trained with protected material and generates similar output, you could face plagiarism claims, even if it was unintentional.
In addition, collecting societies have not yet established uniform criteria for accepting registrations of AI-generated or AI-assisted works. This means that, while you can register your work as an author, you may encounter resistance when it comes to collecting royalties if your creative role is not clear.
How can you protect your work today?
Until legislation evolves and collecting societies adapt, alternative protection mechanisms are crucial. One of the most effective avenues at present is the use of technologies such as blockchain to record the authorship and creation date of a song, providing solid evidentiary support in the event of a dispute.
The role of platforms such as Shamusic
Shamusic, a Spanish platform focused on emerging artists, offers a technological solution for this new paradigm. Through the blockchain registration of each uploaded work -including those generated or assisted by AI-, an immutable and verifiable proof of authorship is created, useful both to protect against plagiarism and to establish collaboration agreements.
Without the need for complex bureaucratic processes, Shamusic allows creators to certify their authorship in an agile and transparent way. This functionality is especially useful when multiple artists collaborate (humans and AI), as each contribution can be recorded and documented in a smart contract.
Final reflection: enhanced human creativity
AI does not replace the artist, but rather amplifies his or her creative possibilities. But with that amplification also comes responsibilities: documenting, crediting and protecting the creative process becomes more important than ever. As creators in the digital age, we must understand the tools we use, the legal implications of our decisions, and have platforms to help us navigate this new landscape.
Recording your songs – whether traditional or AI-assisted – is now a must-have practice. And doing so with tools that understand this new reality, like Shamusic, can make the difference between a secure artistic career and one plagued by legal uncertainty.
