ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN Open Registrations for Partially AI-Generated Compositions

ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN, three of the largest performance rights organizations (PROs), have laid out new AI guidelines. Compositions that are “partially generated” using AI tools can now be registered in the databases to receive the same royalty protection as compositions written entirely by humans.

How it works:

• All three PROs consider a composition partially generated by AI if the songwriter combined AI-generated music content with original content.

• Entirely AI-generated compositions remain ineligible for registration.

• This update comes as AI tools are becoming more common and accessible within the music creation process.

What they said:

• Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP: “Songwriters and composers have always experimented with innovative tools as part of their creative process, and AI is no exception. We are clarifying our registration policy to now welcome partially AI-generated musical works because we believe AI can be a powerful tool for our members, as long as the law puts humans first and technology companies play fair and respect the rights of creators.”

• Mike O’Neill, President & CEO, BMI: “This is an important first step in protecting human creativity as AI technologies evolve, while supporting the songwriters and composers who choose to use AI as a tool to enhance their creative process.”