UMG Sony Music AI Copyright Detection Fingerprinting Alliance

Photo Credit: SoundPatrol

UMG and Sony team up with a research lab to deploy first-of-its-kind fingerprinting tech for detecting AI copyright infringement in music.

Universal Music Group (UMG) and Sony Music have announced a collaboration with SoundPatrol, a research lab for large music models. The first-of-its-kind partnership aims to protect artists from unchecked copyright infringement activity via AI music generators—a goal made possible through SoundPatrol’s “forensic AI model for audio-video fingerprinting.”

The technology employs neural embeddings that capture and analyze musical semantics in order to identify the influence of original human-created music in fully or partially AI-generated music content. The move represents a step forward in copyright detection and responsible music creation.

“We’re constantly focused on enabling AI—bringing to market the many commercial and creative opportunities that will benefit our artists while establishing effective tools to protect them,” said UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge. “Bringing solutions to the table that support the entire industry is at the heart of our relationship with SoundPatrol, who share our commitment to safeguarding our artists’ creative integrity and work.”

“The possibilities of AI present opportunities for artists and creators when used the right way,” added Dennis Kooker, President, Global Digital Business, Sony Music. “We’re committed to navigating this developing landscape by protecting their work while also exploring the innovative potential of these technologies. Our collaboration with SoundPatrol is about respecting artists’ rights to build a sustainable and equitable ecosystem for everyone.”

Neural fingerprinting is a significant advancement beyond traditional audio fingerprinting techniques, which primarily rely on matching exact audio snippets. Neural embeddings capture semantic relationships to identify covers, remixes, and generative-AI derivatives.

Further, SoundPatrol will develop tools and models designed to proactively help third-party platforms and research labs prevent copyright violations, helping to ensure a creatively vibrant digital music ecosystem that fairly compensates artists for their original works.

The move couldn’t be more timely—DSPs have been hard at work deleting millions of examples of “AI slop” tracks, while major labels remain locked in legal copyright battles with generative AI companies like Suno, Udio, and Anthropic.

UMG and Sony are definitely on the cutting edge here when it comes to finding ways to curb further AI-based copyright infringement in the music sector. But it’s worth noting that other smaller deals are in the works; keep an eye on this space as more details unfold.