KOMCA: AI-Assisted Music Eligible for Copyright Registration

Music created with artificial intelligence can now be registered as copyrighted work in South Korea, provided human creators were substantially involved. The Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) announced new 신고·등록 (reporting and registration) standards effective July 3. This move clarifies the association's stance on AI-generated music, which had been a gray area due to a lack of clear legal and institutional frameworks.

The new guidelines permit the registration of music where AI served as a creative tool. However, tracks generated entirely by AI based solely on prompts will be excluded. KOMCA had previously put registrations on hold, awaiting clearer legal definitions. The increasing use of AI in music creation prompted the association to develop these new standards after internal discussions and legal consultations.

Creators using AI for music production must now report the specific areas and tools used, their methods, and the extent of their own creative contributions. KOMCA will then conduct internal reviews to determine registration eligibility and royalty payments. This policy aims to balance the embrace of new technology with the protection of human creativity in the evolving music industry.