AI and Copyright: What Creators Need to Know Before Filing

There is a video that every music creator using AI needs to watch—it deserves 1 million views. It breaks down what is and isn’t protected by copyright when AI is part of your creative process. This article summarizes the key points and shows how developing your brand alongside your music can protect your rights and open doors to success.

AI and Copyright Protection

1. Human Authorship Requirement:

• Copyright law requires human authorship. Purely AI-generated works are not eligible for protection.
• Simply inputting prompts into AI does not make you the author.

2. Human Contribution Matters:

• If you create original material and use AI to expand upon it, your human-created portion may qualify for protection.
• Human input must be visible in the final work.

3. Examples from the Copyright Office:

• Sketch expanded by AI: Registered because the human sketch was still visible.
• Comic book with AI images: Registered because the human arranged and curated the work.
• Music producer using AI for vocals: Registered because AI was a tool, not the primary creator.

Filing a Copyright Application Involving AI

1. Visit copyright.gov and log into the eRegistration system.
2. Select “Standard Application” or “Group of Unpublished Works.”
3. Enter your title and publication details.
4. List the authors and claimants. If it’s a company, select “Work Made for Hire.”
5. Disclose AI involvement under “Limitation of Claim.” Specify your human contributions.
6. Provide rights and permissions contact info (optional).
7. Double-check your email to avoid losing your fee over a typo.
8. Optional: Request expedited processing (approx. $800 fee).
9. Review, pay, and upload your work.

Why You Need to Watch This Video

On JackRighteous.com, I’m launching a series featuring a must-watch content creator: a lawyer and musician who is sounding the alarm on AI copyright issues. Her video should reach 1 million views because it cuts through the noise and gives creators the hard truth.

Her message is clear: Prove your human contribution, or risk losing your rights. While she highlights worst-case legal scenarios, I believe AI music creators who view AI as a tool—like myself—can thrive if they build their brand and document their process.

Building Your Brand and Monetizing Your Work

AI is a tool. You are the creator. Your human touch is what drives value and unlocks copyright protection. Building your brand alongside your music creation ensures you protect your work and position yourself to profit.

Shopify: The Creator’s Platform

• Distribute music directly to fans—free, paid, or subscription.
• Showcase your creative process—original lyrics, AI-assisted drafts, and final human-polished versions.
• Establish brand identity—like JackRighteous.com, where I share my unique journey and human contributions to every song.
• Control your platform—own your domain and avoid creative limitations found on third-party platforms.

Learn more about scaling with Shopify here: Scale with Shopify

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Conclusion

Copyright laws are evolving, but one thing is certain—human input matters. Use AI as a tool, document your process, and develop your brand. This approach will protect your work and position you to succeed in the AI music revolution. Don’t skip the video—it could save your career.