Udio and GRAI, two artificial intelligence (AI) music platforms, have licensed more than 20 patents that set guidelines for how AI-generated music is created, distributed, and monetized. The patents were developed by Music IP Holdings (MIH), a company launched by Universal Music Group (UMG) and intellectual property firm Liquidax.
The portfolio covers several operational areas for AI-generated content:
- Moderation
- Watermarking
- Licensed distribution
- Monetization
The patents also extend to any AI-generated medium, including video and voice content.
How the patents define AI use
MIH Chief Operating Officer Paul Ketchel said the framework defines how “AI learns, consumes, and produces derivative content,” a model that can apply to any generative system.
UMG’s expanding AI footprint
The move marks another step in UMG’s AI activity. The major label has already signed a licensing deal with Udio, which is part of why Udio is implementing the patents. UMG is also involved in developing Spotify‘s AI remixing tool.
Executive statements
MIH CEO Daniel Drolet said: “The portfolio was developed to enable a standard that provides creators of all types the ability to generate, track, and ensure new AI revenue streams while simultaneously providing strong options to manage unauthorized AI outputs.”
Udio CEO Andrew Sanchez said: “With MIH, we’re partnering to implement the infrastructure that protects artists and establish the guardrails that ensure AI amplifies human creativity. That work, the technology, the licensing, the partnerships, is what makes the next chapter one artists can actually build on.”
