6 days ago
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Germany’s music rights organization GEMA has secured a major victory in a landmark copyright case against OpenAI, marking the first European court ruling to affirm that creators’ works used in AI training are protected by copyright law.
Court Ruling and Implications
A German court ruled that ChatGPT violates copyright law by reproducing song lyrics from GEMA’s catalog without authorization. The court determined that OpenAI should have obtained licenses for the use of these lyrics both in training and during operation of the chatbot. It found that the AI system’s responses can contain reproductions of original works, amounting to copyright infringement.
OpenAI’s defense — that it operates under research exemptions for text and data mining — was rejected. The court stated that such exceptions do not cover the storage and public output of copyrighted lyrics.
GEMA’s Response
GEMA CEO Dr. Tobias Holzmüller hailed the ruling as a decisive win for creators, emphasizing that:
“The internet is not some kind of self-service buffet, and creative achievements by human beings are not simply templates for use free of charge.”
He said the verdict sets a precedent for AI operators to comply with copyright laws, while Dr. Kai Welp, GEMA’s General Counsel, called it a “milestone” for ensuring fair remuneration for artists and authors across Europe.
Background and Next Steps
GEMA filed its lawsuit in November 2024, accusing OpenAI of systematically using copyrighted material without compensation. The organization had previously offered OpenAI a licensing model for AI providers in September 2024, which the company declined.
GEMA also has an ongoing case against AI music generator Suno, scheduled for January 26, 2026, alleging unauthorized use of its members’ recordings.
Representing over 100,000 members in Germany and two million rights holders globally, GEMA’s victory could reshape how AI companies negotiate copyright and licensing across the European creative sector.
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