International Artists Guild Supports Major Labels in GlobalTech AI Royalty Lawsuit
London, UK – February 19, 2025 – The International Artists Guild (IAG), a prominent global advocacy group representing the interests of over 50,000 musicians, songwriters, and performers worldwide, has issued a definitive statement publicly supporting the major music labels in their ongoing legal action against technology giant GlobalTech. The lawsuit centers on allegations of unauthorized use of copyrighted material for training artificial intelligence models and the subsequent compensation – or lack thereof – for creators whose work forms the basis of AI-generated music and new AI-powered music services.
The IAG’s declaration, made public on February 19, 2025, signals a significant alignment between the organization representing individual creators and the established music industry powers. For years, artists and labels have grappled with the disruptive influence of technology on music distribution and compensation models. The rise of sophisticated artificial intelligence capable of generating music, mimicking styles, and powering new interactive music experiences has introduced a fresh, complex layer to this ongoing challenge.
Guild President Highlights Flawed Compensation Models
Guild president Jane Doe was unequivocal in her statement regarding the motivations behind the IAG’s support. “Existing compensation models on AI music platforms, and those that utilize AI generated or derived content, fundamentally fail to adequately value the contributions of human creators,” Ms. Doe stated. She emphasized that the current structures do not provide fair remuneration to artists whose original works were likely instrumental in training the AI systems now generating new content or enabling new functionalities that compete with human artistry.
Ms. Doe further elaborated on the guild’s position, highlighting a lack of transparency in how AI models are trained, what data is used, and how revenues generated by AI-powered services are distributed. “Our members are seeing their creative output potentially used to build tools that could, in some instances, displace them, without any clear, equitable, or transparent system for compensation,” she added. “This is not just an existential threat to the profession of music creation; it is a matter of fundamental fairness and the protection of intellectual property rights that underpin the entire creative economy.”
The IAG’s stance reinforces the arguments put forth by the major music labels in their lawsuit against GlobalTech. While the labels focus on copyright infringement related to the vast datasets used to train AI, the IAG brings the perspective of the individual artist, emphasizing the need for a royalty framework that acknowledges and rewards the human effort and creativity that forms the bedrock of all music, including that produced or influenced by AI.
Call for Negotiations and Transparent Royalty Structures
Crucially, the IAG’s statement was not solely a declaration of support for the labels’ legal fight; it included a direct call to action aimed at technology companies like GlobalTech and others operating in the AI music space. The organization called for immediate, constructive negotiations to establish fair and transparent royalty structures for the use of artists’ work in AI training, development, and output.
“Litigation is a necessary tool when other avenues fail, but the ideal outcome is a collaborative one that respects the rights of creators and fosters innovation responsibly,” President Doe commented. “We urge GlobalTech and other technology companies to come to the table immediately to negotiate terms that ensure artists are fairly compensated for the value their work provides in the AI ecosystem. This isn’t about stifling technology; it’s about building a sustainable future for music creation in the age of AI.”
The IAG proposed that these negotiations should address several key areas, including: establishing clear opt-out mechanisms for artists who do not wish their work to be used for AI training; defining royalty rates for the use of existing works in AI model development; and creating a system for compensating artists when AI-generated content, or services powered by AI utilizing their work, generates revenue.
Warning of Coordinated Artist Actions
The statement concluded with a stark warning regarding the potential consequences should these negotiations fail to materialize or yield satisfactory results. The IAG cautioned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to coordinated actions by member artists.
While the specific nature of these potential actions was not detailed, such measures could range from widespread public awareness campaigns and boycotts of platforms deemed unfair to more drastic measures, including coordinated withdrawal of content where legally feasible, or even artists pursuing their own individual or class-action legal challenges. The threat of coordinated action by an organization representing over 50,000 artists globally carries significant weight and underscores the seriousness with which the IAG views the current situation.
Background on the International Artists Guild
The International Artists Guild (IAG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights and interests of professional artists across various disciplines, with a significant membership base in the music industry. Representing over 50,000 musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers across dozens of countries, the IAG plays a vital role in collective bargaining, advocating for favorable legislation, and providing resources and support to its members. Its decision to publicly back the major labels in this instance highlights the profound concerns within the creative community regarding the economic implications of artificial intelligence on their livelihoods and the future value of human-created art.
The outcome of the lawsuit against GlobalTech and the potential for industry-wide negotiations on AI royalty standards are being watched closely across the music and technology sectors, as they are expected to set important precedents for the relationship between creators, copyright holders, and artificial intelligence in the digital age.
The IAG’s move solidifies the united front forming between different segments of the music industry – artists and labels – in confronting the complex challenges and opportunities presented by AI, particularly regarding the fundamental issue of how human creativity is valued and compensated in an increasingly automated world.
