Universal Music Group has been a prominent inventor of patented music industry-related AI technology over the past five years.
Back in 2020, UMG developed patented tech focused on leveraging AI to support artist marketing, analytics, and distribution. It was granted another patent in 2022 for the invention of AI-powered identification of high-value audiences for marketing campaigns.
Last summer, MBW spotted a machine-learning-driven wellness-focused patent application from Universal that can generate and add Binaural beats, which are known for their positive effects on the brain, to existing audio tracks.
Now, UMG has entered into a strategic partnership with Liquidax Capital, an IP asset management, investment, and advisory firm, to “accelerate the development” of its music-related AI patents.
In connection with the partnership, a new entity called Music IP Holdings, Inc. (MIH) has been formed to license the AI patents and other technologies developed with UMG into the global marketplace.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday (July 22), under this new partnership, Liquidax will support UMG in the development, filing, and licensing work required to expand its patent portfolio and bring new products to market.
UMG said it has already filed 15 patents with Liquidax in the fields of musical collaboration, multi-media content and campaign creation, music and health, AI threat protection, music administration, and rights management.
According to the announcement, two of the UMG AI patents have already been issued.
Founded by CEO Daniel Drolet, Liquidax Capital works with Fortune 500 companies, global investment firms, and government agencies across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Its services range from managing, licensing, and selling “advanced IP” and Technology assets to “intellectual property asset moat development,” joint partnerships, and investment opportunities.
According to the Liquidax website, CEO Daniel Drolet “has helped unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in enterprise value through IP transactions, strategic licensing, M&A support, and innovation acceleration programs”.
“We are thrilled to be working with UMG to shape the future of music.”
Daniel Drolet, Liquidax Capital
“We are honored and excited to partner with UMG, the global leader in music innovation and ethical AI,” said Daniel Drolet, Founder of Liquidax and Partner in MIH.
“We are laser-focused on advancing UMG’s leadership and their cutting-edge technologies, especially AI, to empower their artists, protect creative rights, foster partnerships, and enhance UMG’s fan experiences worldwide. We are thrilled to be working with UMG to shape the future of music.”
“And we’re very pleased to be entering into this collaboration with Liquidax, with whom we intend to develop a strong strategic relationship that will amplify our ability to develop IP and take it to market, accelerating the evolution of the music ecosystem.”
Chris Horton, UMG
Chris Horton, SVP, Strategic Technology at UMG, added: “At Universal Music Group, we are taking a very active role in fostering innovation.
“Building on our historical and contemporary track record of cutting-edge R&D, scientific advancements and successful patent applications, we are looking forward to significantly advancing our internal efforts, with a dedicated focus on AI technology.
“And we’re very pleased to be entering into this collaboration with Liquidax, with whom we intend to develop a strong strategic relationship that will amplify our ability to develop IP and take it to market, accelerating the evolution of the music ecosystem.”
UMG has been a key advocate for the responsible and ethical use of AI in music and the company has already inked a number of partnerships in the AI space.
In October, for example, UMG teamed up with AI company KLAY Vision Inc., with plans to work on “a pioneering commercial ethical foundational model for AI-generated music that works in collaboration with the music industry and its creators”.
Amongst its various other AI-related deals over the past couple of years, UMG has also partnered with YouTube on an “AI incubator,” and with ProRata.ai, an attribution startup focused on Gen AI.
UMG has also been a prominent figure in the fight against the unauthorized use of songs and recordings for training AI platforms, joining lawsuits against AI platform Anthropic, as well as AI music generators Suno and Udio.
The company also “helped launch the Human Artistry Campaign” in 2023.Music Business Worldwide
