ChatGPT and the Copyright Protection of Song Lyrics – Ruling of the Munich I Regional Court with Far-reaching Implications
AI-powered Text Generation in the Tension Field of Copyright
The increasing prevalence of Artificial Intelligence – particularly generative language models like ChatGPT – raises fundamental questions about the relationship between technological innovation and copyright protection. At the center of the current debate is the extent to which AI-based systems are allowed to reproduce protected content. The Munich I Regional Court, in its decision of 11.11.2025 (Ref. 42 O 14139/24) – subject to any appeals and with reference to the presumption of innocence in ongoing proceedings – has clarified the legal framework for dealing with generative AI and copyright-protected song lyrics.
Complexity of the Case: Commercial AI Application and Music Rights
Functionality and Use of ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an AI-based language model trained on extensive text datasets, enabling users to handle a wide variety of questions and tasks in natural language. In business, it is increasingly important for marketing, communication, and entertainment purposes – numerous companies already integrate such systems into internal processes or customer interactions. At the same time, there is uncertainty regarding the legal permissibility of the content generated or provided by AI.
Subject of Dispute: Conversation About Song Lyrics
In the specific case, ChatGPT was asked for the complete lyrics of popular songs like “Atemlos” or “Männer.” The system provided the requested information to a significant extent – however, this is closely related to the ownership rights of the authors and holders of the respective music publishing rights.
Legal Assessment: Copyright Limitations and Responsibilities
Reproduction and Public Communication
Lyrics, as works of language, are protected by German copyright law (§ 2 para. 1 no. 1, § 31 UrhG). The complete or substantial partial reproduction of such works by an AI can constitute both reproduction (§ 16 UrhG) and making them available to the public (§ 19a UrhG). The use of a generative AI that reproduces lyrics upon user request affects not only the technical distribution but particularly the rights of the original authors or publishers.
Freedom from Permission – Exceptions and Limitations
German copyright law provides limitations for certain purposes, such as quotations (§ 51 UrhG) or use in teaching and research (§ 60a ff. UrhG). However, the reproduction and complete output of a song lyric by ChatGPT upon user request are not covered by these privilege norms, as neither a scientific discourse nor a typical quotation purpose is present.
Licensing Requirement and Issues of Responsibility
According to the Munich I Regional Court, the dissemination of copyright-protected song lyrics by ChatGPT generally requires the explicit consent of the rights holder, typically in the form of a licensing agreement. Without such contractual security, there is a risk that the AI provider may be subject to injunctions, information requests, or damages claims.
Particular attention is focused on the operator of the AI – not the individual end user. The provider is obliged to implement technical and organizational measures to prevent or at least hinder legal violations beforehand.
International Dimension and Contract Law
Shift into Multinational Legal Spaces
Multinational technology companies, like the operators of ChatGPT, regularly operate in several jurisdictions. Therefore, licensing copyright-protected content requires not only national but international legal protection, as well as the conclusion of complex license agreements with international collecting societies and rights holders. Different standards, for example between the USA and the EU, further complicate compliance.
Significance for Companies and Stakeholders
Companies integrating AI-based language models into their business or communication processes must rely on contractual agreements and technical precautions to avoid infringing third-party rights. This affects both contractual practice and procedural issues in the event of a legal violation.
Outlook: Legal Certainty and Future Developments
The decision of the Munich I Regional Court represents an important milestone in the development of copyright law in the digital age. It highlights that technological innovations do not occur in a legal vacuum but operate in the tension field of existing protection mechanisms and licensing requirements. The ongoing dynamics in the field of Artificial Intelligence will continue to pose new challenges for companies concerning rights clarification, contract design, and technical implementation.
For in-depth legal questions regarding copyright risks and opportunities when using generative AI systems, we recommend seeking qualified advice. Further information and individual support can be found via our Legal Advice in Copyright Law.
