Focus | Music and IP
Could AI music be the industry’s next Napster moment?
The music industry survived Napster by learning to adapt. Now generative AI is testing those same survival instincts.
The 18th-century legal case that changed the face of music copyright law
When Johann Christian Bach sued unauthorized publishers in 18th-century London, he won legal recognition for musical works as intellectual property. According to Eyal Brook, his victory still echoes in today’s digital music landscape.
How artisans use IP to protect traditional instrument-making in India
The craftspeople behind this traditional Indian instrument were hit hard when demand for their work fell. Here’s how they used IP to protect the product and safeguard their livelihoods.
US Copyright Office on AI: Human creativity still matters, legally
How much human input must have gone into AI-generated art for it to fall under copyright? When the US Copyright Office set out to answer this question, it found that the human touch makes all the difference. But there are distinctions.
Taylor Swift trademark strategy: a model for artist IP protection
From The Life of a Showgirl to cat names: Learn how Taylor Swift's 400+ trademark filings and sweeping IP strategy offer lessons for artists worldwide.
How Saudi producer Ahmed Alsallal uses music to promote intellectual property
Meet Ahmed Alsallal, producer, poet and IP professional bringing Saudi tradition into modern music. Learn about his national songs and how he promotes intellectual property across the Gulf.
Niclas Molinder: music creators need to shift their mindset about metadata and IP
Read how Swedish music producer Niclas Molinder urges creators to take better care of their metadata, so that the industry can take better care of them.
How AI-generated songs are fueling the rise of streaming farms
AI-powered streaming fraud is costing the music industry hundreds of millions. Now stakeholders are fighting back with new detection tools and collaborative initiatives.
AI voice cloning: how a Bollywood veteran set a legal precedent
Playback singer Arijit Singh is the most followed artist on Spotify. When his voice was cloned, the resulting court case highlighted growing concerns around AI, IP and personality rights.
V’ghn: Grenada’s prince of Soca music and WIPO’s newest IP Youth Ambassador
Grenada's rising Soca star V'ghn is emerging on the global stage not just through his growing follower base, but now as the latest IP Youth Ambassador for WIPO. Discover his insights on how musicians can transform their artistry into lasting livelihoods.
Music merchandise: the new key to branding for musicians
How musicians such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna build billion-dollar IP empires beyond music, all while facing trademark challenges and balancing creative control with commercial success.
IFPI looks at a decade of digital transformation in the music industry
IFPI data shows that music revenue has doubled to US$29.6 billion since 2014, with streaming now accounting for 69 per cent. Read how the industry responds to unprecedented challenges posed by AI and how artists are flying, especially in regions once hardest hit by piracy.
Royalties in the age of AI: paying artists for AI-generated songs
When creating AI-generated music, Gen Ai models are trained on existing datasets. Find out about royalties when Ai generates a song based on existing music.
Beyond music rights: how K‑pop fandoms rally around intellectual property
K‑pop fans aren’t just consumers – they’re IP investigators who scan databases to determine their idols’ next moves. Meanwhile, the industry extends its IP strategy to capitalize on these super-engaged fandoms.
Copyright protection in the music industry in China
China has made great strides in protecting music copyright since 1991. In a world of increased digitalization and AI, how are platforms, CMOs and new regulations shaping the industry’s future?
Artificial Intelligence – the synergy of technology and creativity
AI and creativity can coexist. Sony Music's Geoff Taylor envisions ethical partnerships – not exploitation – as the path forward. Discover how AI transforms music while respecting IP rights.
Inside MENA’s music boom: in conversation with Spotify’s Imad Mesdoua
From government investment to streaming platforms, a Spotify executive tells us what’s driving MENA’s record music growth and how regional artists are going global.
Huge opportunity: how IP is helping musicians in Cabo Verde
Known as the Queen of Morna and recognized across Portuguese-speaking Africa as a passionate copyright ambassador, Solange Cesarovna shares what she has learned about establishing a CMO and taking charge of artists’ rights.
The Lijadu Sisters and the power of copyright-backed reissues
The Lijadu Sisters were one of Nigerian music’s most influential acts. Despite their success and lasting influence, they faced unpaid royalties and copyright infringement for years. Now a reissue campaign is ensuring they get the credit they deserve.
In the Courts: Ed Sheeran Succeeds in Music Copyright Infringement Case, but it’s not over yet…
In May 2023, a US court found that Ed Sheeran’s hit Thinking Out Loud did not copy Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On. The crux of this case was that while parts of the two songs are similar, those parts are unprotected elements that are freely available for everyone to use.
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