BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property is warning people using artificial intelligence (AI) to create, remix or transform copyrighted music that their work could potentially infringe copyright if they use protected songs without permission. The department said AI-generated music is becoming increasingly popular, with users changing singers’ voices in original recordings, remixing songs and creating new music before sharing the results on platforms including YouTube, TikTok and Facebook.
Using a copyrighted original song as AI input to replace an artist’s voice while retaining key elements such as the melody, lyrics or musical arrangement may involve reproduction and/or adaptation of the copyrighted work. AI systems may also make or process copies of music files during the process.
AI remixing can raise similar issues when vocals, music, melodies or other elements from an original song are rearranged or altered, including changes to rhythm, key, genre or structure. If significant elements of the original work remain, the resulting content could potentially constitute an adaptation.
Creating a new song with AI using a copyrighted song as a model or reference could also raise copyright concerns if the resulting work retains substantial or distinctive elements that can be recognized as connected to the original. Department of Intellectual Property Director-General Auramon Sapthaweethum said whether a particular AI-generated work constitutes copyright infringement must be determined based on the facts and characteristics of each case.
She advised people using AI to create music to respect copyright owners’ rights and check the actual copyright status of any music they intend to use. Using copyrighted music with AI does not automatically mean a royalty must be paid in every case. The requirement depends on whether the use involves reproduction, adaptation, public communication or other rights protected under copyright law. Where permission is required, users may also need to pay compensation according to an agreement with the rights holder.
The department also noted that music whose copyright protection period has expired enters the public domain and can generally be used without permission from the original copyright owner. However, users must still consider other rights that may remain protected, including rights in sound recordings, adaptations or newly created works based on the original.
