US court considers AI training on song lyrics as India proposes mandatory licensing

A US federal judge is considering whether training AI on copyrighted song lyrics qualifies as fair use. Anthropic, the company behind the AI chatbot Claude, is defending its use of music publishers' works to train the model, citing the fair-use doctrine. The case, which has drawn attention from legal experts and industry stakeholders, could set a precedent for AI training practices in the US.

The lawsuit was filed by music publishers who argue that Anthropic's use of their copyrighted material without permission violates their rights. US District Judge Eumi Lee heard arguments from both sides in San Jose on October 21 but did not issue a ruling. The case highlights the growing tension between AI developers and content creators over the use of copyrighted material for training AI models.

Under US copyright law, the fair-use doctrine permits certain uses of copyrighted works without permission from rights holders. However, the interpretation of what constitutes fair use in the context of AI training remains unclear. The case has drawn comparisons to previous legal battles, such as the one involving OpenAI and the New York Times, which also centered on the use of copyrighted material for AI training.

In India, regulators are considering mandatory licensing for AI training data, a move that could impact how AI companies operate in the region. The Indian market, which has shown significant interest in AI applications, may see increased scrutiny on data usage practices. This development could influence how AI firms approach licensing and data usage in both the US and India.

The outcome of the US case could have far-reaching implications for AI developers and content creators globally. If the court rules in favor of Anthropic, it may encourage more AI companies to use copyrighted material for training without seeking permission. Conversely, a ruling against Anthropic could lead to stricter licensing requirements and increased costs for AI developers. The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to present their arguments.