Sweden Introduces World’s First AI Music Licence to Protect Songwriters

Sweden’s music rights organisation STIM has launched a new licence that allows AI companies to legally train on copyrighted songs while ensuring that songwriters, composers, and publishers receive royalties. The move addresses growing disputes between creators and tech firms over the unauthorized use of copyrighted works in AI training.

STIM, which represents over 100,000 music creators, said the licence is designed to strike a balance between technological innovation and fair compensation.

How the licence works

• AI firms can train their systems on copyrighted songs under the licence.

• Creators receive royalties for the use of their works.

• The licence includes mandatory tracking technology to monitor AI-generated outputs and ensure transparent payments.

Why it matters

• The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) warns that generative AI could reduce music creators’ income by up to 24% by 2028.

• CISAC also projects that AI-generated music outputs could reach $17 billion annually by 2028, underscoring the economic stakes.

• STIM’s acting CEO Lina Heyman said:

  “We show that it is possible to embrace disruption without undermining human creativity. This is not just a commercial initiative but a blueprint for fair compensation and legal certainty for AI firms.”

First adopter: Songfox

Stockholm-based startup Songfox is the first to operate under the new licence. The company allows users to create AI-generated songs and covers legally, with royalties flowing back to original creators.

Sweden’s leadership in digital music

Sweden has a history of setting industry standards in the digital music space, having previously played a central role in shaping platforms like Spotify and TikTok. The AI music licence could similarly become a global benchmark for balancing innovation and rights protection.