Explorer

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Found Guilty Of Copyright Violation In Germany Over Use Of Song Lyrics

ChatGPT is in hot water after a German court said the AI used protected song lyrics without permission. The ruling could reshape how AI companies train their systems in Europe.

A German Court has said that ChatGPT, made by OpenAI, broke copyright rules. The case was about song lyrics from popular German singer Herbert Grönemeyer and others. The court in Munich said that OpenAI used parts of nine German songs, including Groenemeyer’s famous tracks “Maenner” and “Bochum.”

The case was brought by GEMA, a group that protects music creators’ rights. As cited by Reuters, the court told OpenAI to pay damages, but the amount was not shared. GEMA said it hopes this will help artists get paid fairly when AI uses their work.

ChatGPT Copyright Case: Why The Court Ruled Against OpenAI

OpenAI said that ChatGPT does not store or copy exact song words. The company said the AI only learns patterns and writes new text when people give it a prompt. 

OpenAI also said that if lyrics are copied, it’s the user’s fault, not the company’s.

But the court disagreed. It said ChatGPT both remembers and repeats parts of songs, which breaks copyright law. The judges said AI tools must follow the same laws as everyone else.

GEMA’s lawyer Kai Welp said this is a big win for songwriters. He also said he hopes OpenAI will now talk with GEMA about paying artists fairly when their songs are used by AI.

OpenAI’s Reply On The Lawsuit

GEMA’s CEO Tobias Holzmueller said, “The internet is not a self-service store, and human creativity is not free.” He said this ruling helps protect artists and shows that their work cannot be used for free by machines.

OpenAI said it does not agree with the decision and may appeal. The company also said that this case only covers a few German songs and won’t affect most users in Germany.

Experts say this could change how AI companies use copyrighted work in the future. Even in India, big Bollywood music labels have gone to court against OpenAI for using songs without permission. The fight between AI and musicians is now a global issue.

About the author Annie Sharma

Annie Sharma is a technology journalist at ABP Live English, focused on breaking down complex tech stories into clear, reader-friendly narratives. Gaining hands-on experience in digital storytelling and news writing with leading publications, Annie believes technology should feel accessible rather than overwhelming, and follows a clear, reader-first approach in her work.

For tips and queries, you can reach out to her at annies@abpnetwork.com.

Read More

Top Headlines

September Or December? Which Month Will Apple Choose To Launch Its First Ever Foldable
September Or December? Which Month Will Apple Choose To Launch Its First Ever Foldable
Telegram Ban Was Supposed To End On June 22: Why Are Users Still Stuck?
Telegram Ban Was Supposed To End On June 22: Why Are Users Still Stuck?
Nothing Phone (4b) Launching On July 7: Here's What It Might Cost You
Nothing Phone (4b) Launching On July 7: Here's What It Might Cost You
Mark Zuckerberg's New App 'Arena' Wants You To Bet On Sports And Elections
Mark Zuckerberg's New App 'Arena' Wants You To Bet On Sports And Elections

Videos

Breaking: Prashant Kishor Meets Bharat Tiwari's Family Ahead of Mahapanchayat in Bhojpur
Mumbai Rains Turn Fatal: Passenger Stabbed to Death in Local Train Amid Monsoon Chaos
Breaking: Swami Prasad Maurya's Remarks on Ram Temple Trigger Political and Religious Storm
Ram Temple Donation Row: Court Hearing Today, Champat Rai Seen Active Amid Probe
Pune Crime: Pune Builder’s Son Murder Case: Fiancée and Alleged Lover Arrested

Photo Gallery

25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Embed widget