The fitness and wellness industry is increasingly relying on AI-generated music to save on licence costs. Providers advertise the fact that these works are GEMA and AKM-free. However, this supposed cost advantage could turn out to be a legal powder keg. Collecting societies such as GEMA and AKM as well as authors are now demanding access to the source code of AI music platforms in order to check whether the generated works are actually licence-free.
The central controversial question: Is AI music really copyright-free?
The core problem is that AI systems do not draw from nothing. They are trained using existing music data - and this is precisely where the legal risk lies. If the AI models use copyright-protected music to generate new pieces, this could lead to the generated works also being categorised as subject to GEMA/AKM.
For this reason, collecting societies and authors are currently taking legal action to force the disclosure of AI algorithms. If it turns out that these systems use protected works as a basis, this would jeopardise the entire business model of AI music platforms. This is because gyms and other commercial users who have relied on the licence-free nature of this music could suddenly be confronted with additional claims.
High financial risks for fitness centres
The purchase of music from providers who exclusively or predominantly offer AI-generated music harbours a considerable risk for fitness studios. If a review by the collecting societies reveals that the AI music used is based on protected works after all, high licence fees could be due retroactively.
The danger is real: additional claims in the six-figure range per year cannot be ruled out for larger fitness chains. Those who rely on supposedly ‘free’ AI music run the risk of paying more in the long term than with a regular licence agreement.
What can fitness centres do to protect themselves?
- Check the transparency of the providers: Is there comprehensible proof that the AI music was actually generated without protected templates?
- Check contracts carefully: Can providers guarantee that their music will remain royalty-free in perpetuity, and do they accept liability in case of doubt?
- Use reputable licence sources: It is advisable to obtain music from providers who can prove that their works are copyright-free.
- Monitor legal developments: As several court cases are currently pending, the legal situation could change quickly. Companies should regularly inform themselves about new decisions.
Conclusion: be careful when using AI music
The idea of saving licensing costs through AI music could prove to be a costly mistake for fitness studios. If courts force the disclosure of AI algorithms and prove that protected works have been used as a basis, the entire industry could have to rethink its approach. The safest solution therefore remains the use of legally impeccable music sources. This is the only way studios can protect themselves from unexpected costs in the long term.
