Trump DOJ Backs AI Fair Use, Reggaeton Suit Collapses - Thursday, September 3

Email us hereThe Trump administration made its boldest AI copyright move yet, filing a Statement of Interest declaring LLM training on copyrighted material is fair use — a direct blow to music industry lobbying efforts. Meanwhile, a landmark reggaeton copyright case collapsed after a federal judge found plaintiffs couldn't identify a single valid protected work, shielding Bad Bunny, Drake, and 150+ other artists. We also mourn the loss of jazz legend Cassandra Wilson, who died Tuesday at 70. Lawsuits & AI • Trump DOJ declares LLM training "exceedingly transformative" fair use, citing US competitiveness and national security in NYT v. OpenAI filing. • Federal judge strikes central copyright claim in decade-long reggaeton dembow suit, protecting Bad Bunny, Karol G, Daddy Yankee, Drake, and ~1,800 songs. • ISP RCN moves to dismiss major labels' piracy lawsuit, arguing Supreme Court's Cox v. Sony ruling killed the legal basis for the case. • California SB 186, backed by AFM Local 47, passes both chambers and heads to Governor Newsom to protect entertainment industry jobs. • California AB 1349 ghost-ticketing reform passes legislature, though original venue and arts-org supporters disavow the final version. Streaming & Tech • Spotify's India Loud & Clear data shows 29% royalty growth in 2025, with Telugu royalties surging 120% and 335 billion total streams logged. Artists & Releases • Two-time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master Cassandra Wilson died September 2 in Jackson, Mississippi at age 70. International • SM Entertainment and Tencent Music launched Beijing joint venture STE, with Super Junior-M's Zhoumi as CEO, to develop a new Chinese idol group. Five minutes, six categories, zero fluff.