Universal Music Group has positioned itself as a strong champion for artists’ rights and copyrights as advancements in artificial intelligence continue to evolve.
For instance, last March, Roland and UMG released the Principles of Creating Music Using AI, a manifesto outlining the responsible use of artificial intelligence in music composition. Following that, over 50 notable figures in the music industry expressed their support for the initiative.
In October, UMG joined forces with KLAY Vision Inc to create “a commercial, ethical foundational model for AI-generated music that collaborates with the music industry and its creators.”
Additionally, over the summer, UMG formed a strategic alliance with artificial intelligence technology company SoundLabs, focusing on “ethically” sourced tools for music creators.
This week, UMG showcased its copyright initiatives at one of Europe’s most significant discussion platforms.
On Wednesday (January 22) at the World Economic Forum conference in Davos, Frank Brigmann, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Central Europe and German Gramophone, delivered a compelling message regarding the necessity of copyright protection.
Brigmann participated in a prominent panel discussion on artificial intelligence and media titled “AI and Content Creation: Finding the Balance between Innovation and Intellectual Property.”
During the panel, he addressed the audience about the critical need for robust copyright legislation, firmly opposing any text and data exceptions to copyright law.
“Creators and innovators drive culture and progress, and their rights should be protected, not undermined by loopholes that diminish the value of their work,” Brigmann stated.
“Creators and innovators drive culture and progress, and their rights should be protected, not undermined by loopholes that undermine the value of their work.”
Frank Brigmann
Brigmann’s statements highlight broader worries regarding the misuse of AI in creative sectors and advocate for a fair compensation system reflecting the value of intellectual property as AI continues to advance.
The executive’s advocacy illustrates Universal Music Group’s ongoing commitment to safeguard the rights of artists, composers, and creatives across the globe.
Earlier this month, Universal and other music entities made significant headway in their copyright dispute with AI company Anthropic after a court sanctioned protections or “guards” for AI-generated lyrics.
UMG, along with other publishers including Musical Group Concord and ABKKO, initiated a lawsuit against Anthropic in 2023, citing copyright infringement.
In addition to Brigmann, Rich Caccapolo (Vice President of DMG Media), Anastasia Nyrkovskaya (CEO of Fortune), and David Rhodes (Executive Chairman of Sky News) also contributed to the discussion on AI and content creation at Davos.
Lucas focuses on the interaction between music and society. He specializes in how music influences and reflects cultures, analyzing the role of sound in social, political, and cultural events around the world.
