Copyright, AI and European competitiveness

Legal certainty for AI research and innovation in Europe

The Copyright for AI Coalition brings together researchers, innovators and policy experts to support a clear, balanced and workable European framework for text and data mining. Our focus is effective implementation of the CDSM Directive, greater consistency across Member States and practical rules that enable responsible AI development in Europe.

European Union flags in front of the European Commission building in Brussels

Why this matters

Why text and data mining matters

Text and data mining (TDM) enables researchers and developers to identify patterns and generate new insights from large collections of lawfully accessible material. Clear and workable rules are essential for research, cross-border collaboration and the development of AI systems in Europe.

From research to innovation—and back again

Scientific research provides the knowledge and talent on which new products and services are built. Successful commercial applications, in turn, attract investment and support further research. Legal uncertainty can interrupt this cycle by increasing compliance costs, delaying investment and making Europe a less attractive place to develop AI.

The legal foundation

Articles 3 and 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/790 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market (CDSM Directive) establish exceptions for TDM, subject to different conditions. These provisions are central to AI research and development in Europe, but differences in interpretation, implementation and technical application can create uncertainty. The Coalition supports a clear and coherent framework that preserves effective TDM while providing workable mechanisms for the exercise of rights recognised under EU law.

Our priorities

Four strategic pillars

Pillar 04

Research-to-market pathways

Enable knowledge and innovation to move more effectively from European research institutions into practical applications.

Read the policy recommendations
Lawful access should support the ability to analyse data and derive new knowledge, within a clear and workable legal framework.

European Manifesto for Text and Data Mining

Europe needs copyright rules that support research, innovation and legal certainty.

Sign the TDM Manifesto