YewMusic Journal
Copyright Reminder: Upload Only Content You Have the Right to Use
Before uploading audio, lyrics, samples, or artwork to an AI music tool, make sure you own the rights or have the necessary permission and license.
A quick reminder before you upload
YewAI Music is designed for original ideas and content that you are legally allowed to use. Before uploading an audio file, lyrics, samples, vocals, artwork, or any other material, make sure that you either:
- created and own the material;
- have permission from every relevant rights holder; or
- are using the material under a license that covers your intended use.
Do not upload a commercial song, another artist's recording, copyrighted lyrics, or a sample downloaded from the internet simply because it is easy to find or because you only plan to use it privately.
Music can contain several separate rights
A song and its recording are not always the same copyright work. The U.S. Copyright Office explains that a musical work can include the underlying composition and lyrics, while a sound recording is the recorded performance. They may have different owners and different licenses.
That means permission to use one part may not automatically give you permission to use the others. For example, owning a vocal recording does not necessarily give you the right to use the song's lyrics or composition.
What you should check before using uploaded material
Ask yourself:
- Who created the audio, lyrics, sample, or artwork?
- Who owns the copyright or other relevant rights?
- Do I have written permission or a license for this specific use?
- Does the license allow AI processing, modification, distribution, public performance, or commercial use?
- Can I prove where the material came from and what permission I received?
If you cannot answer these questions, use original material or choose a properly licensed or public-domain source instead.
Why a generation may be rejected
Music services may compare uploaded audio with recordings already in their catalog. A file that matches or closely resembles an existing recording can be blocked even when the upload was accidental. Repeatedly submitting the same file will not resolve a rights issue.
If a task is rejected for a possible copyright or catalog match, do not try to bypass the check by changing the filename or making minor edits. Use a different source that you own or that is clearly covered by a valid license.
Official resources
These resources explain the underlying rights and licensing concepts:
- U.S. Copyright Office: What Musicians Should Know about Copyright
- U.S. Copyright Office: Musical Works, Sound Recordings & Copyright
- U.S. Copyright Office: Copyright registration for musical compositions and sound recordings
- Suno Terms of Service
Copyright rules vary by country and by the way you plan to use the result. This article is general information, not legal advice. If your project will be released commercially or uses someone else's work, consult the relevant rights holder or a qualified legal professional before uploading or distributing it.