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​Join us for a focused, 60-minute conversation where we'll break down the legal developments that are redefining what's possible in music AI — and what they mean for the music industry right now.

​Our expert panel brings together complementary perspectives from both sides of the table:

• ​Scott Sholder (Partner, CDAS) — Representing the Authors Guild in their landmark OpenAI case

• ​Elizabeth Moody (Partner, Granderson Des Rochers) — Advising nearly a dozen different music and audio AI startups, including AudioShake, Sureel, and Copyright Delta, on licensing and business strategies

​What we'll cover

​1. The foundation: What's actually copyrightable?

​The music industry's AI future hinges on answering one fundamental question: What content can actually be protected?

​We'll unpack the U.S. Copyright Office's latest guidance on AI authorship, clarifying when human intervention creates copyrightable material and when it doesn't. You'll gain clarity on how the law distinguishes between using AI as a creative tool versus as a replacement, and which specific outputs are receiving copyright registration.

​2. Case-by-case: Key precedents and pending actions

​We'll examine the most consequential legal developments in AI and copyright, including:

• ​Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence: Why the court rejected fair use for AI training data, and what it signals for music cases

• ​Publishers v. Anthropic: Breaking down the "guardrails" settlement and its implications for future licensing frameworks

• ​Record Labels v. Suno/Udio: Analyzing the core arguments on both sides and how they differ from other AI litigation

​3. Strategic implications: What industry pros should do now

​While the legal landscape is evolving rapidly, waiting for perfect clarity isn't an option for most businesses.

​Our panel will outline practical approaches for rights holders looking to protect their IP while still engaging strategically with AI. We'll also discuss how developers can build responsible AI tools that respect copyright boundaries, and explore how both sides can navigate the shifting line between innovation and infringement in ways that create sustainable value rather than further legal exposure.

​This session is perfect for:

• ​Music execs and rights holders evaluating AI partnerships

• ​Artists and managers concerned about AI's impact on creative careers

• ​Startup founders building AI-powered music products

• ​Industry professionals navigating these complex issues day-to-day

​Reserve your spot now for this timely analysis that goes beyond headlines to deliver practical insights you can apply immediately.

​*Can't make it live? RSVP anyway to receive our exclusive recording and comprehensive recap notes after the event!

​About Water & Music

​​​​Water & Music is the go-to portal for industry leaders and decision-makers to master the complex dynamics of music and tech.

​Our boutique research and consulting practice combines rigorous market analysis, proprietary deal flow tracking, and direct access to key operators shaping the music ecosystem.

​With a growing membership base of over 1,200 industry stakeholders — spanning labels, publishers, artist managers, tech platforms, investors, and more — we have a unique vantage point to connect market signals across the value chain, revealing where capital, tech, and creativity are converging.

​​​​Our mission is to empower music professionals with the knowledge, insights, and connections they need — not only to navigate innovation, but also to become active participants in advancing the industry forward.

​​​​Learn more about our work:
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