The AirGigs Creator Report: Weekly Music Industry News & Opportunities – Week 10
We made it to double digits!
Welcome to week 10 of the AirGigs Creator Report, where each week we bring you the latest industry news that matters to independent musicians, producers and creatives.
In the news this week:
Taylor Swift Moves to Trademark Voice and Likeness Amid AI Deepfake Concerns
Taylor Swift has filed trademark applications to protect her voice and likeness in the U.S., aiming to combat the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes. The filings include specific voice recordings and visual imagery tied to her Eras Tour, marking a proactive step toward controlling how her identity is used in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. The move follows a wave of deepfake incidents involving Swift and reflects a broader industry trend, with other public figures and platforms like YouTube introducing tools and legal strategies to detect and prevent unauthorized AI use. As deepfake technology becomes more accessible, artists and rights holders are increasingly seeking legal protections to safeguard their identity and creative output.
Why This Matters:
As AI deepfakes rise, artists are taking control of their identity rights, signaling a shift toward stronger legal protections around voice, image, and consent in the digital age.
Major Labels Explore AI-Powered Copyright Enforcement Tools
New patent filings reveal that major music companies are developing AI-driven systems to manage and enforce music rights in the age of generative AI. The proposed “media rights platform” includes tools like licensing chatbots that integrate with AI platforms, automated web crawlers that detect copyright infringement and issue cease-and-desist notices, and machine learning models that predict whether rightsholders would approve derivative works. The system also incorporates watermarking, fingerprinting, and dynamic pricing for AI-generated music licenses, signaling a potential shift toward fully automated rights management and enforcement. While still in development, the filings highlight how labels may use AI not just as a threat, but as a powerful tool to protect and monetize intellectual property.
Why This Matters:
As AI-generated music grows, labels are preparing to fight back with AI – potentially transforming how music rights are licensed, tracked, and enforced at scale.
Avex Music Group Launches $100M Fund to Expand Catalog Acquisitions
Avex Music Group has announced a $100 million fund to acquire music publishing catalogs, companies, and culturally significant copyrights, marking a major expansion of its global publishing strategy. The initiative positions catalog acquisition as a core focus, building on AMG’s existing frontline publishing success across international markets. As part of the launch, the company has already acquired the catalog of songwriter and producer Infamous, known for co-writing the hit “Lose Control.” Led by CEO Brandon Silverstein, the move signals a long-term commitment to scaling a global catalog business, with additional recent deals, including partnerships with Bruno Mars and The Orchard, further strengthening its position in publishing and distribution.
Why This Matters:
Catalog acquisition continues to be a major growth strategy, highlighting the long-term value of song ownership and the increasing competition for music rights globally.
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