Tokyo, February 16, 2026 – Sony Group has unveiled a new technology to identify copyrighted music used in AI songs, aiming to protect artists and songwriters from unlicensed use.
The system analyzes AI-generated tracks to determine the contribution of original artists. For example, it can reveal if a song is “30% derived from The Beatles and 10% from Queen.” This helps ensure proper royalties for creators when their work is used by AI models.
Sony explained that when AI developers cooperate, the system can directly access their models to trace training data. If developers do not cooperate, the tool estimates the origin by comparing output with existing music databases. This approach comes as AI-generated content, including viral AI songs with deepfake vocals of stars like Drake and The Weeknd, rises globally.
With access to extensive music catalogs, including rights to half of Michael Jackson’s estate, Sony aims to guarantee fair royalty collection from AI companies. The company compares this process to existing royalty practices for radio and streaming services.
Developed by Sony AI, the technology is not limited to music. It can also track visual styles, preventing AI from imitating specific art forms, such as Japanese anime or Studio Ghibli films.
Sony envisions a future where content companies use the tool to negotiate licensing deals with AI developers. However, the company has not announced a launch date yet. Experts warn that some AI developers may hesitate to adopt the technology because it could expose them to copyright claims, potentially affecting model performance and content creation.
Industry analysts say Sony’s innovation could reshape how intellectual property is managed in AI-generated content. As AI songs continue to grow in popularity, this technology may become essential for balancing creativity with legal compliance.
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For artists, this tool offers hope for fair compensation. For AI developers, it introduces new considerations in training models with copyrighted material. Sony’s effort highlights the growing need to regulate and monetize AI-generated works responsibly.
