The music industry is facing an unprecedented challenge from artificial intelligence. AI systems are being trained on recorded music, lyrics and compositions without permission or compensation to rights holders. Synthetic audio tools can now clone voices and generate music in the style of real artists. Deepfake audio has been used to fabricate statements by musicians and public figures. The tools used to detect, watermark and protect music and audio content are evolving rapidly in response.

The resources below are relevant to musicians, bands, labels, managers and anyone working in or around the music industry who wants to understand how intellectual property protection is changing in the age of AI.

AI and IP Protection Index

The AI and IP Protection Index is a free, independent research directory cataloguing over 100 tools used by rights holders, legal teams and content owners to protect intellectual property against AI misuse, synthetic media and automated infringement. For musicians and music industry professionals, the index covers forensic audio watermarking platforms, AI-generated content detection tools, anti-piracy enforcement services and brand protection platforms relevant to artist identity and recording rights.

The index also publishes original editorial analysis on topics including voice deepfake fraud, AI training data copyright litigation, and how trade secrets are being used to protect AI intellectual property in the music and media sectors.

Visit the AI and IP Protection Index at https://www.aiipprotection.org

PRS for Music

PRS for Music represents the rights of songwriters, composers and music publishers in the United Kingdom, licensing music used in broadcast, online and public performance contexts and distributing royalties to rights holders.

Visit PRS for Music at https://www.prsformusic.com

Musicians’ Union

The Musicians’ Union represents over 33,000 musicians across the United Kingdom, providing legal support, contract advice and campaigning on issues including AI and music copyright, session rates and performer rights.

Visit the Musicians’ Union at https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk

UK Intellectual Property Office

The UK IPO provides guidance on copyright law as it applies to musical works, recordings and AI-generated content, including ongoing consultations on how existing frameworks should adapt to the challenges posed by generative AI.

Visit the UK IPO at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/intellectual-property-office