Landmark Agreement Enables the Use of Copyright-Protected Works in Artificial Intelligence Through Collective Licensing
A major milestone in the evolution of copyright licensing was announced during the International Federation of Reproduction rights Organizations (IFRRO) Mid-Year Meetings 2026, where a landmark bilateral agreement introduced a new framework allowing the use of copyright-protected works in artificial intelligence applications through collective licensing.
The agreement, signed between the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) of the United Kingdom and Copyright Agency of Australia, is among the first of its kind to address the growing use of books, journals, and other published works in AI-related activities under a structured licensing model.
The initiative aims to provide organizations with a lawful and transparent mechanism for using copyrighted content while ensuring that authors, publishers, and other rightsholders receive fair remuneration for the use of their works. It also represents an important step toward balancing technological innovation with the protection of intellectual property rights.
Industry experts described the agreement as a significant development for the global copyright community, highlighting the growing role of collective management organizations in responding to emerging technologies. They emphasized that collective licensing offers a practical solution for supporting AI innovation while safeguarding the interests of creators and maintaining a sustainable publishing ecosystem.
The agreement is expected to serve as a model for future international licensing frameworks as copyright organizations continue adapting to the rapidly evolving digital and artificial intelligence landscape.
