Sweden Unveils AI Music License to Safeguard Songwriters’ Rights

In a world-first, Sweden introduces a legal framework that lets AI companies use copyrighted music while ensuring artists are fairly compensated.

Sweden’s music rights organization has launched the first official AI music license, ending years of uncertainty around training AI on copyrighted songs. The deal allows tech companies to legally access music catalogs, while guaranteeing that creators receive payment when their work fuels AI development. It’s a practical solution to a fast-moving challenge—keeping innovation open without sidelining human songwriters.

AI companies will pay fees based on how much music they use and the scale of their operations. Rights holders benefit through royalty payments, while songwriters retain the option to opt out entirely. Transparency is also built in: companies must disclose which works are used for training, ensuring accountability and fair distribution of royalties.

With AI-generated music projected to grow into a billion-dollar industry by 2030, Sweden’s model could inspire similar systems abroad. If adopted globally, it may set the tone for how copyright law evolves in the age of machine-made creativity—balancing opportunity with protection for artists.

Curious how developments like these could affect your business? Contact our intellectual property team today for clear, tailored advice!

Text: ‘Sweden Launches AI Music Licence to Protect Songwriters’. Reuters, 9 Sep. 2025. Media & Telecom. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/sweden-launches-ai-music-licence-protect-songwriters-2025-09-09/.

Photo: 'Person Hearing Music on a Smartphone' by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-hearing-music-on-a-smartphone-5077420/