Registering AI works via MijnBumaStemra
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Registration of (partially) AI-generated musical works with BumaStemra
Due to the rise of generative artificial intelligence (generative AI) as a tool in music creation, BumaStemra now offers its members the opportunity to correctly register works that involve AI input. This page explains whether and how you can register such works, which guidelines apply, and what your responsibilities are as a creator. Would you like to read more about BumaStemra’s position on AI and stay informed about the latest developments? Take a look at our AI page.
Which AI Works Can You Register via MijnBumaStemra?
1. AI-Generated Lyrics, Original Musical Composition.
a. Rightsholder: You as the composer. The composition is protected by copyright. The lyrics are not protected by copyright; no royalties will be collected for them.
b. How to Register: Register the lyrics under “AI BUMASTEMRA” with IPI number 01252737944; register the composition under your own name.
c. Payment: Only for the composition. BumaStemra does not collect royalties for the lyrics.
2. AI-Generated Musical Composition, Original Lyrics
a. Rightsholder: You as the lyricist. The lyrics are protected by copyright. The composition is not protected by copyright; no royalties will be collected for it.
b. How to Register: Register the lyrics under your own name; register the composition under “AI BUMASTEMRA” with IPI number 01252737944.
c. Payment: Only for the lyrics. BumaStemra does not collect royalties for the composition.
3. AI-Assisted Work. You used AI merely as a supporting tool, while making sufficient creative choices yourself to consider the work your own (see Legal Framework below for more information).
a. Rightsholder: You as the author/composer.
b. How to Register: As usual.
c. Payment: Full payment.
4. Fully AI-Generated Work Without Creative Input
a. Rightsholder: None.
b. How to Register: Registration is not possible.
c. Payment: None. Registration is not possible, therefore no royalties can be collected.
Legal Framework: Creativity and Copyright Law
In Europe, copyright arises as soon as an author has made enough creative choices. This is different in the United States, where a work must be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office to secure copyright protection. For a work to be protected under copyright law, it must meet the following criteria:
- The work has its own original character.
- It bears the personal imprint of the creator.
Application
Unfortunately, no European court decisions have yet been made regarding authorship in relation to AI-generated compositions. It is expected that this will remain the case for the foreseeable future. As a result, the current legal framework continues to apply. Our interpretation is as follows:
AI-Assisted Works (Category 3):
- The author has used generative AI tools to create a composition and/or lyrics, but has made enough creative choices for the result to qualify as a copyright-protected work.
- AI is merely regarded as a tool.
Fully AI-Generated Works (Category 4):
- AI has played a significant role in making creative decisions.
- Example 1: You only provided a few prompts and/or there is no substantial personal creative input. In this case, copyright protection is likely not applicable
- Example 2: You build solely upon the creative choices made by AI, rather than the other way around.
Role of BumaStemra
BumaStemra understands that it can be challenging for authors to determine on their own whether they have made enough creative choices for a work to be protected by copyright, especially in the context of AI applications. Therefore, BumaStemra actively lobbies to emphasize the need for clear guidelines on authorship in relation to AI, addressing this issue with legislators.
Personal Responsibility When Registering
As a member, you are responsible for correctly registering your works. It remains your responsibility to:
- Register all your repertoire immediately after its creation.
- Ensure that you hold the copyright to the work.
Unfortunately, this is a matter that only you can decide, or ultimately a judge. This is no different from current practice: you assess your own work in comparison to existing material to determine whether it is sufficiently original, paying attention, for example, to which elements are protected or not protected, such as melodic lines on the one hand and chord progressions on the other. BumaStemra cannot determine whether a particular composition meets the requirements for copyright protection.
Recommendations for Working with AI
To avoid potential issues, BumaStemra recommends:
- Documenting the creative process, including prompts and post-editing, so that you can demonstrate which creative choices you made. This can be done via our platform MyMusicSafe in the member portal of MijnBumaStemra. Discover the possibilities of MyMusicSafe here
- Consciously and critically evaluating whether most creative choices were made by you, or by the AI tool. Ask yourself whether the final result bears your personal imprint.
- Regularly consulting BumaStemra’s AI policy via our AI page and subscribing to our newsletter.
FAQ – Registration of (Partially) AI-Generated Musical Works
Does BumaStemra collect royalties for the AI-generated part of my registered work?
BumaStemra does not collect royalties for the AI-generated part of a work (in the case of option 1 and 2). In these cases, you will only receive payment for the part you have composed yourself. As a result, the work will have a smaller share in the total royalty pool distributed by BumaStemra.
For AI-assisted works (option 3), BumaStemra does collect royalties in full. AI-generated works that are not protected by copyright (option 4) cannot be registered, and no royalties are collected for them.
#permalinkWhat is the best thing to do if I’m unsure whether my (partially) AI-generated work is protected by copyright?
If, after reviewing the legal framework, you still have serious doubts, BumaStemra advises you not to register the work in question. You may also consult a legal expert in the field of copyright, but just like BumaStemra, they cannot provide a definitive answer. After all, there are currently no European guidelines regarding AI and authorship.
#permalinkWhy does BumaStemra facilitate working with AI tools?
It is BumaStemra’s absolute priority to ensure that its members receive compensation for the use of their works in the training of AI models. They are undoubtedly entitled to this, and BumaStemra is taking action on multiple fronts to achieve this goal. For more information, please see our AI page.
At the same time, BumaStemra is legally obligated to represent all copyright holders. As long as you believe that sufficient creative choices have been made, BumaStemra will assume that this is the case. You are personally responsible for making this assessment.
BumaStemra also acknowledges that many members are already using AI in the creative process, and that AI can make a meaningful contribution and help accelerate creation. BumaStemra does not wish to, nor is allowed to, unnecessarily hinder this, but emphasizes that AI should be used responsibly, and that its members must financially benefit from the success of AI developers.
#permalinkWhy do I need to register the AI-generated part as ‘AI BUMASTEMRA’ if no royalties are collected for it?
For every work registration, a composer must be specified. It is not possible to register only a (song) lyric. Since BumaStemra wants to offer members the possibility to register works where they have written the lyrics themselves and the composition was generated by AI, it has been decided that the composition can be registered under AI BumaStemra.
However, this does not mean that BumaStemra collects royalties for the AI-generated part. Technically, it is not possible to register a work without a name, which is why ‘AI BumaStemra’ has been chosen.
#permalinkWhat can I do if I have incorrectly registered partially AI-generated works in the past?
The new registration option for partially AI-generated works has been available since early 2025. Before that time, it was in principle not possible to register works with AI-generated lyrics or compositions. If you have done so nonetheless, it is possible to correctly re-register these works. You can do this simply by registering them again and selecting AI BUMASTEMRA as the ‘rightsholder’ for the component generated by AI (the lyrics or the composition).
The previous registration will be overwritten once sufficient income has been generated to reach the threshold for establishing a new distribution.
What happens if I provide incorrect information?
If you provide incorrect or incomplete information, this may have legal consequences and could potentially lead to the removal of works and/or termination of your membership. Additionally, BumaStemra is conducting several pilot projects to check whether works have been generated using AI. Therefore, make sure to register your works correctly.
Read more about the registration of (partially) AI-generated musical works at BumaStemra here.
How can I prove my rights for an AI-assisted work?
Document your creative process, including the prompts used and any post-editing, so that you can demonstrate which creative choices were made by you. You can do this via our platform MyMusicSafe, which is part of the member portal of MijnBumaStemra.
Discover the possibilities of MyMusicSafe here.
What about works where AI only supported my creative process?
These are considered AI-assisted works and can be registered as usual. Read more about the registration of (partially) AI-generated works with BumaStemra here.
#permalinkWhat if I used both AI and my own creative input?
Use the AI BUMA/STEMRA IPI number (01252737944) for the AI portion and register your contribution under your name. This applies when either the lyrics or the composition is AI-generated. Read more about the registration of (partially) AI-generated works with BumaStemra here.
#permalinkHow do I determine if my work is protected by copyright?
Check whether human creative choices are evident in the output. Without these, the work is not eligible for copyright protection. Read more about the registration of (partially) AI-generated works with BumaStemra here.
#permalinkCan I register works fully created by AI?
No, works created entirely by AI without human creative input are not eligible for registration, copyright, or payment. Read more about the registration of (partially) AI-generated works with BumaStemra here.
#permalink