Bollywood’s Music Heavyweights Battle OpenAI in Landmark Copyright Case
India’s top music labels—T-Series, Saregama, and Sony—are taking OpenAI to court over claims its AI models illegally trained on their songs. The lawsuit, filed in New Delhi, could redefine how AI uses copyrighted content globally.
Why Bollywood’s Fighting Back
Legal documents reveal the labels accuse OpenAI of scraping decades of iconic Hindi tracks—from Lata Mangeshkar’s classics to modern hits—without permission. “AI systems are mining our musical heritage like a digital gold rush,” said an industry insider anonymously.
The Global AI Copyright War Hits India
OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, faces mounting lawsuits worldwide. But India—its second-largest user base—is a critical battleground. The company insists it follows “fair use” rules for public data, but labels argue AI’s unlicensed training threatens creators’ livelihoods.
Key Players in the Legal Showdown
- T-Series: India’s largest music label, releasing 2,000+ tracks yearly.
- Saregama: A 100-year-old titan owning legends like Mohammed Rafi.
- IMI Group: Represents global giants like Warner and Sony Music.
The labels want to join a 2023 lawsuit by Indian news agency ANI, which claims ChatGPT copied its articles. Media moguls Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani have also backed similar cases.
Why This Case Matters
“This isn’t just about royalties—it’s about protecting creativity itself,” the labels argued in court filings. If OpenAI wins, artists fear AI could replicate voices, lyrics, and melodies without compensation.
Global Parallels
Germany’s GEMA sued OpenAI in November for allegedly training ChatGPT on unlicensed lyrics. Meanwhile, OpenAI claims Indian courts lack jurisdiction since its servers are abroad—a defense critics call a “legal loophole.”
What’s Next?
The next hearing on February 21 could set a precedent for AI’s use of copyrighted material in India. The case coincides with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s recent visit to discuss low-cost AI solutions with Indian officials.
