Musicbusinessworldwide.com
The music publishing industry has taken another significant step toward defining its relationship with generative artificial intelligence, as the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) announced new licensing agreements with AI music companies Udio and KLAY.
Speaking at the NMPA’s annual meeting in New York, President and CEO David Israelite revealed what he described as a groundbreaking agreement with Udio, alongside a separate deal with emerging AI platform KLAY.
According to Israelite, the Udio agreement is the first broad licensing arrangement negotiated across the publishing sector with a major AI music company. A key component of the deal is its treatment of song copyrights and master recordings, which will reportedly receive equal consideration within the platform’s AI training framework.
The agreement allows eligible NMPA members to review and opt into the licensing program beginning this month. Israelite pointed to Udio’s leadership for pursuing a permission-based approach and working directly with rights holders rather than relying on copyrighted works without authorization.
A second partnership is also on the horizon through KLAY, an AI-powered music platform built around licensed training data. Israelite highlighted the company’s decision to secure rights agreements before its public rollout, an approach that stands in contrast to many technology companies that have faced criticism for launching first and negotiating later. Details of the KLAY program are expected to be finalized ahead of its planned summer launch.
The agreements arrive amid a broader transformation in Udio’s relationship with the music industry. Just two years ago, the platform faced copyright litigation brought by major record companies. Since then, it has secured settlements and licensing arrangements with several key music organizations, including major labels and publishing companies. One major rights holder, however, has yet to reach a similar agreement.
Despite the cooperative tone of these new deals, NMPA leadership made clear that licensing and legal enforcement will continue to operate side by side. Israelite emphasized that the organization remains prepared to pursue legal action against companies that use copyrighted music without permission while rewarding those willing to negotiate legitimate partnerships.
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