Sony Group Unveils Tech To Track Copyrighted Music In AI-Generated Songs

Japan-based Sony Group has reportedly developed a new technology aimed at identifying original, copyrighted music embedded in AI-generated songs, a move seen as part of the industry’s broader response to copyright concerns around generative AI. The system, reported by Nikkei Asia, is designed to help songwriters and rights holders claim compensation when their works are used without permission in AI outputs.

According to the report, the technology works in two modes: when AI developers cooperate, Sony connects to the base model’s systems to analyse training data directly; without cooperation, it compares AI-generated output against existing music catalogues to estimate which original works were used. Sony hopes the system can form the basis of a revenue-sharing framework that compensates creators based on their contribution to AI-generated music.

The development comes amid growing pressure on AI music generators, with major music companies disputing the use of copyrighted material to train models without clear rights or payments. Sony Music Entertainment has already taken legal action against AI platforms such as Suno and Udio for alleged mass infringement, while other industry players have pursued settlements or licensing deals.

Built by Sony AI, the research and development arm of the group, the technology hasn’t yet been commercialised, but is expected to be integrated into AI models and used in licensing negotiations once adopted by developers.

The move signals music rights holders’ growing efforts to ensure that the rise of AI-generated content doesn’t erode copyright protections or creator compensation, a debate that continues to shape how AI tools and music catalogues coexist.