Stim and AI

The AI license is a result of extensive work carried out over a long period of time, in collaboration with legal experts, music publishers, songwriters, researchers, other collecting societies, and AI experts. As part of the process, STIM has conducted a thorough mapping and knowledge-gathering exercise in close dialogue with AI stakeholders in the music sector. 

The aim has been to create a comprehensive understanding of how AI technology is used, in order to design a license that protects the interests of rightsholders while also paving the way for the economic potential we believe copyrighted music holds in the context of AI. The license enables AI developers to use music legally and transparently, while ensuring that songwriters and publishers receive proper economic compensation for the use of their musical works. 

This first version of the license includes only works from songwriters and music publishers who have been individually asked and have given their consent. It involves joint licensing of both musical works and sound recording rights, where the starting point has been master recordings from rights holders in Cora Music, and where the works are represented by STIM globally. 

STIM has chosen this initial limitation to ensure that the licensing model works as intended before expanding it. Any future expansion will take place in close dialogue with affiliated rights holders. 

If you, as a songwriter or music publisher, are interested in having your works included in future licensing for AI services, there will be opportunities to participate. Until then, we encourage you to stay updated through our news on the topic. 

Many AI services today use copyright-protected music without permission and do not pay any compensation to those who created it. At the same time, these services generate music that can compete with the original works.  

If this is allowed to continue over time, it risks undermining the statutory rights and income opportunities of songwriters and music publishers. STIM is therefore working with many other stakeholders in the industry to introduce sustainable solutions in the market.  

A key tool is licensing, to ensure reasonable remuneration and to regulate how music generated via AI services may be used, while also showing both the market and lawmakers that a constructive path forward exists. 

As an affiliated rightsholder, you can therefore help support solutions that combine technological development with strong copyright protection by participating in the AI license. 

In your future royalty statements from STIM, you will be able to see where the income originates, whether it relates to the training of an AI service, or generated music (output) from a licensed AI service where your work has had an influence. The payments will be reported in a similar way to how you currently see income from streaming, radio, TV, etc.