This pioneering licence will cover uses such as AI model training, fine-tuning, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), providing a clear, legal framework for the use of copyrighted works in generative AI. It will offer rightsholders who can’t engage in direct negotiations with AI developers a means of being fairly remunerated, while ensuring their content is protected and copyright upheld.

The new collective licence will offer a cost-effective and convenient solution to AI developers who are required to obtain permission to use content to innovate and develop models.

The UK government is currently reviewing responses to a recent consultation on copyright and AI, including a proposal to introduce a new copyright exception for text and data mining, an idea widely opposed by rightsholders. This new licence reinforces that licensing, not exceptions, offers a fair and workable solution for both sides.

It also builds on CLA’s expanding suite of licences for commercial text and data mining and workplace use of content in generative AI prompts, the first of which launches on 1 May.

PLS and ALCS will now collaborate with the CLA to shape the licence terms, prioritising transparency and fair remuneration. The new generative AI licence is expected to launch in Q3 2025.

Tom West, CEO, PLS said: “For over four decades PLS and our partners have delivered collective licensing solutions at scale, enabling the legitimate, lawful re-use of trusted, high-value content.  As the generative AI revolution accelerates, PLS and our partners are uniquely placed to offer collective solutions, supporting both the rightsholders whose interests we represent and the AI companies that rely on high-quality content to train and ground their models.

Following an initial consultation phase with publishers last year and significant groundwork over recent months I am pleased to move forward with this important and much needed initiative to support an equitable, transparent, and sustainable framework for content use in the age of AI.”

Barbara Hayes, CEO, ALCS commented: “When we surveyed our members last year, they made it clear that they expect us to do something about their works being used to train AI. The Goverment proposal to introduce a copyright exception would give very limited choice, wouldn’t remunerate creators or provide any transparency about which works are being, and so we’re pleased to be working with our partners at PLS and CLA to develop a licence that would deliver on these terms for writers and deomstrate that licensing is a viable and practical solution.”

Mat Pfleger, CEO, CLA added: “Training AI models on copyrighted content requires permission and compensation. CLA’s collective licence will further demonstrate that licensing is the answer and can provide a market-based solution that is efficient and effective. Our goal is to provide a clear, legal pathway for access to quality content. One that empowers innovators to develop transformative generative AI technologies whilst respecting copyright and compensating rightsholders and creators where their works are used.”