Artificial intelligence: Elvis’ rights holders demand $41 million from Anthropic

While Anthropic publishes documents relating to its IPO, the rights holders of 274 songs performed by Elvis Presley are taking legal action against the American company which develops the conversational robot Claude.

They accuse him, in particular, of having used these works without authorization to train and perhaps enrich his artificial intelligence models. The rights holders are seeking more than $41 million in damages, at a rate of $150,000 per title.

Filed on Friday, October 23, in the federal court for the Northern District of California, the complaint relates, in particular, to All Shook Up, Can’t Help Falling in Love and Return to Sender.

The plaintiffs, who certainly want public support, are calling for a possible trial to be held before a jury. They include licensing company Authentic Brands Group, publisher Raleigh Music Publishing, several trusts and an individual.

In addition to the alleged use of the songs without their consent, the rights holders accuse Anthropic of having circumvented protection measures and deleted or modified information relating to the management of copyright.

They accuse the company of having based its economic model on massive violations of their exclusive rights. The merits of these accusations will have to be examined by the courts. Anthropic disputes the facts with which it is accused.

In a brief statement released the Sunday following the filing of the complaint, a spokesperson indicated that the company intended to defend itself.

This copyright protection procedure, which targets Anthropic, is not isolated.

The publisher Reservoir also sued her for the alleged use of copyrighted lyrics and melodies, including those from songs by Joni Mitchell and Madonna.

Universal Music Group is demanding three billion dollars from him. In this latest case, Anthropic invokes the American provisions on “fair use”.