
Universal Music Group (UMG) is teaming up with LA-based AI company KLAY Vision to develop AI tools that respect artists' rights — even as the music giant battles other AI companies in court over unauthorized use of its music.
The partnership aims to create what the companies call an "ethical foundational model" for AI-generated music. You'll soon see this technology in action through KLAY's upcoming Large Music Model (KLayMM), though specific details about the product remain under wraps.
"We're exploring new opportunities that respect copyright while potentially transforming human creativity," says Michael Nash, UMG's executive vice president and chief digital officer.

UMG and Klay Vision describe their collaboration as a pioneering step towards an “ethical foundational model for AI-generated music.” Central to this partnership is the conviction that AI must work with creators, not replace them. The companies stressed that generative AI music models need to be developed in ways that are fully respectful of copyright, name, and likeness rights — aiming to reduce threats to human creators and open new avenues for creativity and revenue in the music industry.
KLAY brings serious music industry expertise to the table. The company is led by former Sony Music executive Thomas Hesse and will soon add Björn Winckler, who previously developed Google's Lyria AI music model at DeepMind.
UMG's collaboration with Klay Vision comes amid ongoing legal battles that highlight the tensions between traditional music rights and new AI technologies. UMG is engaged in litigation against Anthropic AI and music-generating AI platforms Suno and Udio, accusing them of using UMG recordings to train their AI systems without proper permissions.
The companies expect to launch their first product in the coming months, promising to "revolutionize the way people think about music" through what they describe as a new, intuitive music experience.