SIAE Accelerates Transformation to Lead Italy’s Copyright Protection Revolution
Established in Milan in 1882, the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers (SIAE) is one of the oldest collection societies globally. Historically, its significant legacy rendered it resistant to innovation. However, recent market liberalization and technological advancements have prompted a radical transformation within the organization. Under new leadership and a revised strategic vision, SIAE is now positioning itself at the forefront of the technological revolution in copyright protection.
Milestone Achievements in 2025
In 2025, SIAE achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 1 billion euros ($1.16 billion) in revenue for the first time. The organization distributed €849 million ($987 million) to rights holders, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. This growth reflects the evolving landscape of the music industry, driven by both recorded music and live events.
Strategic Modernization and Digitalization
SIAE’s CEO, Matteo Fedeli, highlighted several key factors contributing to this growth. The organization has focused on simplifying processes, enhancing digitalization, and improving negotiation capabilities with digital platforms. These changes have allowed SIAE to modernize its operations and emerge as a leader in the Italian market.
Fedeli emphasized that the organization’s transformation involves moving from a predominantly legal structure to a model centered on data, technology, and analytics. This shift is essential for attracting new skills and ensuring that SIAE remains relevant in a rapidly changing environment.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
SIAE recognizes the dual nature of artificial intelligence (AI) in the copyright landscape. On one hand, it aims to protect rights holders from potential exploitation; on the other, it acknowledges the necessity of utilizing AI tools to enhance operational efficiency. The organization is actively seeking AI engineers to implement these technologies effectively, allowing SIAE to transition to an “AI first” approach.
Fedeli noted the importance of restructuring knowledge within the organization. By integrating AI with existing knowledge systems, SIAE aims to enhance its capabilities significantly.
Navigating the Challenges of Generative AI
The interaction with generative AI platforms poses both opportunities and challenges for copyright protection. SIAE is exploring various licensing models to address these issues. The organization is aware of the structural problems within the market and is optimistic about the potential for legislative solutions, such as the AI Act in Europe.
Recent rulings, including one against Meta, underscore the need for transparency in business models. SIAE is advocating for a fair distribution of revenue generated from AI-driven content, emphasizing the importance of connecting training data to the outputs produced.
Streamlining Processes for Enhanced Earnings
SIAE’s goal extends beyond generating revenue; it aims to redistribute as much as possible to rights holders. The organization has successfully reduced its average commission from 16% to 13.7% since 2013, with plans for further reductions in digital and audiovisual sectors. This efficiency means that distributions are growing faster than revenues, benefiting those entitled to them.
The Strength of SIAE’s Catalog
With nearly 30 million registered works, SIAE’s catalog is a significant asset in negotiations with major players like Google, Meta, and Spotify. This bargaining power allows SIAE to secure favorable contractual conditions, ultimately leading to a higher value per stream for its authors.
Attracting New Talent for Future Catalogs
To build tomorrow’s catalogs, SIAE is committed to providing a frictionless digital infrastructure for authors. The introduction of the SIAE+ app has simplified the copyright application process, allowing for a significant increase in applications filed without traditional bureaucratic hurdles.
Envisioning the Future of Copyright Protection
Looking ahead, SIAE aims to maximize the value of its authors’ catalogs while advocating for greater transparency from platforms. The organization is focused on enhancing its digital infrastructure and operational efficiency to ensure that rights holders receive their earnings quickly and at minimal cost.
As reported by www.billboard.com.
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Published on 2026-05-26 22:32:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk