OpenAI could be forced to pay 100,000+ artists, GEMA case decision drops November 11

Key Highlights:

• Munich court hears first big AI copyright case.
• Court says AI use falls under copyright law.
• Ruling on November 11 will set new rules.

GEMA scored a big win in a major AI copyright case. The Munich Regional Court heard GEMA’s case against OpenAI. GEMA represents 100,000 music creators. They say OpenAI used their song lyrics to train AI models without asking or paying. The court session on September 30, 2025, drew a lot of attention. Judges looked at whether AI music generation violates copyright.

The court agreed with GEMA. AI systems must follow copyright law. Dr Kai Welp, GEMA’s General Counsel, said this means artists should get paid when AI uses their work. The case covers songs by Herbert Grönemeyer, Inga Humpe, and Reinhard Mey. OpenAI makes over $2 billion a year, but creators get nothing.

In September 2024, GEMA suggested a fair AI licensing model to help AI companies pay artists. The court will give its decision on November 11. This will hopefully positively influence the EU AI Act in the future. AI companies across Europe might have to pay music royalties for using songs in training data.”