A new licensing initiative has been launched in London to give publishers a clearer way to control how their content is used in generative AI systems. Publishers’ Licensing Services (PLS) has announced the first stage of an industry led collective licensing scheme that will allow publishers to license their work to AI companies under a shared framework.
The announcement was made at the London Book Fair, where PLS is encouraging publishers to take part in the first phase of the program. The initiative invites publishers to opt in to a collective license developed with the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) and the Authors Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS).
Under the new proposal, AI companies will be able to access published works through a licensed content store and use that material in exchange for a license fee. The system is intended to establish clearer rules around how copyrighted content can be used in generative AI systems and make sure creators are fairly compensated for their work.
The initiative is being introduced as publishers continue to raise concerns about AI developers training models on copyrighted material without permission.
The suggested collective licensing structure would offer a more organized way for publishers to participate in the growing market for AI training data, and it’s a different approach to the “Stealing Isn’t Innovation” campaign that was launched in the United States back in January.
PLS says the scheme will give publishers of all sizes access to licensing opportunities linked to AI development. Instead of negotiating individual agreements with technology firms, they could license their content via the shared framework while still retaining the option to pursue direct deals.
“The London Book Fair provides an important opportunity for the industry to come together and consider how established collective licensing models can be extended to this new context,” said Tom West, chief executive of PLS. “The pace of change is rapid, and publishers must remain active participants in shaping how their content is used. This first stage is about engagement and collaboration. By opting in, publishers will be part of collective approach that aims to ensure content use in AI models is lawful and fairly remunerated.”
Publishers support
PLS says the current stage focuses on encouraging publisher participation and gathering feedback before the full rollout of the framework. Once publishers opt in, the organization plans to work with the Copyright Licensing Agency to engage directly with AI developers and integrate the licensing structure into the technology sector.
The initiative builds on the UK’s established voluntary collective licensing model, which has long been used to manage rights for copying and reuse of published content. The suggested framework will extend that system to address the growing — and problematic — use of copyrighted material in generative AI tools.
Industry groups connected to PLS, including the Publishers Association, the Independent Publishers Guild, the Professional Publishers Association, and the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers, are expected to encourage publishers in the UK (and beyond) to participate in the new licensing scheme.
What do you think about publishers licensing their content for AI training? Let us know in the comments.
