Meta's latest innovation, AudioCraft, has ushered in a new era of music and audio production

Meta’s latest release, AudioCraft, has revolutionized music and audio creation using the power of artificial intelligence (AI). This innovative toolset consists of three AI models: MusicGen, AudioGen, and EnCodec, allowing users to effortlessly transform text prompts into high-quality music and sound.

Unlike the rapid progress in AI-generated images and text, the audio domain has lagged due to its intricate nature. MusicGen, trained with licensed music, composes melodies from text inputs. Meanwhile, AudioGen uses publicly available sound effects to generate corresponding audio clips. The EnCodec decoder enhances generated music quality by reducing unwanted artifacts. Additionally, Meta offers pre-trained AudioGen models for crafting ambient sounds like dog barks and car horns, fostering open collaboration and propelling AI audio creation.

AudioCraft sparks creativity among musicians and sound designers, reshaping audio creation and consumption. This launch signals a significant advancement, inviting users to explore the uncharted possibilities of AI-generated soundscapes.

However, this technological leap raises concerns about copyright infringement. AI-generated content challenges existing copyright laws, complicating the identification of creators and owners. Universal Music Group (UMG), a leading music rights company, has approached the US Congress for support in addressing copyright issues arising from AI. UMG advocates for nationwide protection of individuals’ likenesses, encompassing names and voices. They also propose AI training model transparency and clear labeling of “AI-generated content” to ensure copyright holders are informed.

As AI technology generates innovative creations, the complex question of patent eligibility arises. Determining whether AI-produced inventions meet patent criteria, which traditionally require human inventiveness, adds another layer of complexity.