Becker Testifies in Support of Legislation Aiming to Protect Artists Against Misuse of Artificial Intelligence
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partner Jeffrey S. Becker testified in support of new legislation introduced by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen that would safeguard artists and music labels from situations where third-party Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used to misappropriate an artist’s voice to create music that competes with the artist’s own content.
Senate Bill 3225 reinforces the principle that an artist owns their voice and likeness and should be able to control how their voice is used for commercial purposes. Senate Bill 3325 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, and a companion bill (HB4875) passed the House Judiciary Committee the following day.
As a seasoned music lawyer and member of the Chicago Chapter of the Recording Academy, Becker’s expertise was used to help educate the Illinois General Assembly regarding the importance of protecting artists’ rights to control their name, image, and likeness, particularly as AI technology has evolved. In 2019, Becker was quoted in The Verge regarding artificial intelligence and music. The article "We've Been Warned About AI and Music For Over 50 Years, But No One's Prepared” questions if AI's ability to make music makes AI an artist, which leads to questions regarding authorship. He successfully assists clients in resolving contractual and business disputes, wielding his expertise in copyright and trademark claims, trade secret battles, and defamation lawsuits.
Becker founded the firm's Entertainment and Media Law Practice Group in 2012. He is also a member of the firm's Intellectual Property and Commercial Litigation Practice Groups. His clients include Grammy Award-winning musicians, producers and songwriters, publishers and record labels, professional athletes, authors, independent filmmakers, and other creative individuals and entertainment-related businesses. Becker has served as secretary on the Recording Academy's Board of Governors for the Chicago Chapter and co-chair of its Legislative Advocacy Committee. Learn more about Jeff and his practice here.
