In an article published by The Verge, it was reported that artificial intelligence (AI) generated songs have led to a legal dispute between popular music artists Drake and The Weeknd. This battle has raised concerns surrounding copyright and right of publicity issues in the context of AI’s growing influence on the music industry. The following summary highlights the main points and key details of the article.
Music Artists Face Copyright Issues Over AI Compositions
Artificial intelligence (AI) generated songs have sparked a legal battle between music artists Drake and The Weeknd. The dispute has brought to light concerns surrounding copyright and right of publicity issues as AI’s role in the music industry grows.
What Led to the Dispute Between Drake and The Weeknd?
The conflict began when an AI startup released an album featuring AI generated songs resembling the musical styles of Drake and The Weeknd. Both artists argued that the AI compositions were too similar to their own work, infringing on their copyright and right of publicity.
How Has the Music Industry Responded to AI Generated Music?
AI generated music is becoming increasingly popular, forcing the music industry to grapple with the legal implications. Some argue that AI generated songs should be treated as new works that don’t infringe on existing copyrights, while others insist that the creators of the AI algorithms should be held accountable.

What Does the Right of Publicity Entail?
The right of publicity, a legal concept that protects the commercial value of a person’s name, likeness, and persona, is at the center of the dispute between Drake and The Weeknd. The artists argue that the AI generated songs not only infringe on their copyright but also exploit their right of publicity.
Can AI Generated Songs Be Considered Infringing?
There is an ongoing debate about whether AI generated songs can be considered infringing on existing copyrights. Some experts argue that AI compositions are transformative works, while others contend that they are derivative and should be subject to copyright laws.
What Are the Legal Ramifications of AI Generated Music?
The legal battle between Drake and The Weeknd highlights the need for updated copyright laws to address the challenges posed by AI generated music. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for the music industry and the role of AI in artistic creation.