Copyrights Infringement Risks in AI-generated Cover Songs: An Analysis Based on Current Legislation
Jingwen Ji · Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media · 2023
In the age of “Big Data”, the accelerated iteration of AI models characterized by ChatGPT has fueled both excitement and fear. With the diversified application of generative AI models, last year witnessed a surge in AI cover songs. Compared with the discussions around the content generated by AI, the prior training process receives less attention. This article aims at analyzing the copyright law issues related to AI cover songs. By examining current legislation in different countries, the author believes that the training of AI cover models risks violating both property rights and moral rights stipulated in copyrights laws. Moreover, it fails to fit in the fair-use defense in most states. Considering the emotional values preserved by AI cover songs as well as the spirit of copyright laws, this article argues that basically, the training of AI cover models should be solely for non-commercial use. An unregulated approach toward AI cover songs can otherwise hinder innovations and disproportionately harm the interest of minority groups.