For some time, the collective management sector has been strongly advocating for a robust new framework establishing an effective licensing mechanism for GenAI models—one that secures a sustainable music ecosystem for creators, artists, and rightsholders. However, the success of such an undertaking depends on adhering to specific rules and principles designed to eliminate past perceptions and failures.
IMPEL and IMPF state that the independent music publishing community is ready to engage constructively with AI companies, technology providers and licensing partners, as long as emerging AI business models do not repeat or deepen the structural imbalances that have shaped music publishing in the digital market.
A non-negotiable principle: equal valuation of the song
The following principle is non-negotiable: the song must be valued correctly and—absent other significant factors—at least on par with the sound recording.
As stated in the joint statement by the two bodies, “in generative AI, songs, lyrics, melodies and compositions are central to the training, prompting, generation, output and commercialisation of AI music products. Whilst AI generation can take place in various forms that must be treated on their merits, any licensing model that, ab initio, treats publishing as a minor share of value while allocating the overwhelming majority of revenues to master rights is unacceptable.
After years of addressing unequal revenue splits in streaming, the independent publishing community sees generative AI as an opportunity to establish a fairer framework, not another market in which outdated assumptions about the value of masters and compositions are carried forward."
Transparency throughout the licensing process for pilot programs
Generative AI licensing must reflect the distinct and essential contribution of songwriters and publishers, and must be clear in scope. Limited pilots, closed environments or specific product models must not be used to create broad precedents for future exploitation. Rightsholders must understand what is being licensed, how works are being used, how attribution will operate, what deductions are being applied, and how revenues will be calculated and distributed.
Technology can play an important role in building trust, supporting clear licensing terms, robust reporting obligations and rightsholder oversight
For this reason, IMPEL and IMPF are continuing to assess the capabilities of attribution technologies and are currently conducting three pilots with different companies. These pilots are examining how technologies can support the identification, tracking and attribution of musical works across AI training, generation and outputs, as well as the reporting necessary for accurate remuneration.
AUTODIA supports this joint initiative by IMPEL and IMPF and calls upon all stakeholders across the value chain to collaborate towards a transparent and sustainable music ecosystem, featuring a robust GenAI licensing mechanism that fully recognizes the essential contribution of composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers, and effectively protects their intellectual property rights.
About IMPEL
IMPEL is the international collective of independent music publishers representing digital music rights. It is 100% owned and controlled by its members, which include respected independent publishers such as Bucks Music Group, Beggars Music, Reservoir Music, Kassner Music, CTM, ABKCO, Truelove Music, Faber Music, Mute Song, Budde UK, Median Müzik, TRO Essex, Phrased Differently, Red Brick Songs, Warp Music and many more.The IMPEL membership represents a diverse collection of works recorded by many of the world’s biggest artists, past and present, including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Dua Lipa, David Bowie, Ray Charles, Rihanna, Beyonce, Calvin Harris, Elvis Presley, Joni Mitchell and Miles Davis. impel-music.com
About IMPF
IMPF is the global trade body exclusively representing independent music publishers, advocating for 300+ companies worldwide. Our members account for 26% of global market share and our mission is to help stimulate a more favourable business environment for music publishers and the songwriters and composers they represent. impforum.org