JASRAC Outlines Its View on AI-Generated Music — 'Human Creative Contribution' Becomes the Key to Copyright

JASRAC, the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers, has outlined its thinking on how to treat music for which AI generates both lyrics and composition. Works produced from a simple instruction alone are seen as lacking 'human creative contribution' and therefore unlikely to qualify as copyrighted works — an interpretation now drawing attention.

Under the view presented, copyrightability may be recognized when a person uses AI as a tool and contributes creatively — for example by building original choices into the prompt, or by editing and adjusting the generated result. It is a framework that distinguishes fully automatic generation from production that involves human input.

Japanese copyright law treats 'human creative involvement' as a premise for rights to arise, consistent with the position of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Overseas, there are similar moves to view fully automated output narrowly, putting Japan in step with the international debate.

On the production side, it becomes important to record how and at which stage AI was used, and to make human involvement clear. Organizing where rights reside helps avoid trouble at the distribution and secondary-use stages.

Licensing agreements between major record companies and AI music platforms are also advancing, strengthening the move toward using AI within legitimate frameworks. Clearer rules form a foundation on which creators can adopt the technology with confidence.

ZEN editorial view: Transparency in rights and production process matters especially for independent creators. ZEN PROJECT supports practical work in rights handling and distribution, and recommends keeping solid production records.

Sources: NHK / Musicman and others