Romania

Undoubtedly, the digital landscape of music is currently undergoing a profound transformation, arguably the most impactful since the invention of the phonograph. Today, however, the needle isn’t hitting vinyl; it’s hitting an algorithm. The intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intellectual Property (IP) has moved from theoretical debate in law journals to high-stakes litigation in federal or national courtrooms. At the heart of this storm stands a fundamental question: When a machine composes a melody, who—if anyone—owns the song? The Cultural Ignition: Authenticity vs. Algorithms I have recently had several opportunities to speak, write and debate about one of the most visible “AI artists” in Romania – Lolita Cercel. With songs that reached almost four million views on Youtube alone, and being described as “a human-curated digital music project, where AI is the tool, not the story”, Lolita has sparked vivid debates not only about AI generated music but also about cultural appropriation in a world that seems to be more about consumption and less about traditions. In response to increasing visibility of AI generated music, one of the highest ranked Romanian artists, Delia, has recently launched a song explicitly named Analog that is intended to bring to the fore the authenticity of emotions and the need for real connections in a world that is constantly changing, dominated by digital and the expansion of artificial intelligence. From Prompts to Playlists: The AI Music Revolution and Its Existential Crisis The rise of generative AI platforms like Udio and Suno has democratized music production, allowing users to generate high-fidelity tracks from simple text prompts. These tools can replicate specific genres, moods, and even the vocal "vibe" of established artists. While this fosters a new era of creativity, it has triggered an existential crisis for the music industry. The legal tension exists in two distinct phases: Input, the data used to train the models. Major labels argue that training AI on copyrighted catalogs without permission is "mass infringement," while tech companies often cite "fair use," arguing that the AI is learning patterns rather than copying specific works. Output, the music the models generate, raising questions about whether this “generated music” infringes upon or dilutes the value of the original training data. A Tale of Two Strategies: Litigation vs. Licensing The music industry is currently split on how to handle this "humanity" requirement. The Aggressive Path: Sony and Universal Music Group have pursued aggressive litigation against AI firms, seeking billions in damages for unauthorized training. They view AI as a potential "dilutive substitute" for human artists. The Collaborative Path: In contrast, Warner Music Group (WMG) has pivoted toward a "licensed future." Thus, according to publicly available information, WMG will begin an artificial intelligence music venture with technology start-up Suno - a year after it sued the firm in a landmark case. As part of the settlement agreement, WMG will let users create AI-generated music on Suno using the voices, names and likeness of artists who opt-in to the programme. I would argue that this approach represents a paradigm shift towards monetizing AI-generated content through licensing rather than attempting to fight its inevitable expansion. Global Divergence: The EU AI Act While the U.S. relies heavily on court precedents, the European Union has taken a regulatory approach, and the collision between AI and IP is being shaped not just by courtroom battles, but by a distinct legal philosophy that prioritizes the "moral rights" of the creator and the strategic regulation of the Digital Single Market. While the US often views copyright through an economic lens, the European approach—steeped in the droit d’auteur tradition—centers on the personal link between the author and their work. This distinction has made the EU the primary battleground for the future of AI music. Conclusion: The Future of the "Author" We are entering a "hybrid era." The law is clear that a machine cannot be an author, but the line between a "tool" (like a piano or a digital audio workstation) and a "creator" (the AI) is blurring. For musicians, the strategy is shifting from fighting technology to documenting their creative process. To secure a copyright in 2026, an artist must prove they were the "mastermind" behind the algorithm, not just a passive recipient of its output. As the courts seem to agree, the law currently protects the human spirit. If you want to own the music of tomorrow, you must ensure your fingerprints are all over the code. by Ana-Maria BACIU

Stratulat Albulescu Attorneys at Law (“SAA”) has advised Corden BioChem on the takeover and reactivation of the dormant bioethanol production facility, previously owned by Clariant Group and the subsequent acquisition of a neighboring biomass-based co-generation plant from Getec Servicii Energetice, both assets being located in Podari, Dolj County. The acquisition represents a strategic component of Corden BioChem’s broader business plan to develop a biotechnology hub in Dolj County, Romania. This transactions marks two mandates in which SAA has assisted in connection with the Podari industrial platform. The first was in 2024, when Stratulat Albulescu advised International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), a well-known industrial group with sales exceeding EUR 3 billion and more than 6,000 employees worldwide, on the acquisition of the dormant bioethanol production site in Podari, Dolj County, from Clariant Group, one of the world’s leading specialty chemical companies. This latest transaction marks a significant step for the Romanian industrial and energy market, enabling the restart of one of the country’s largest bioethanol production facilities while ensuring energy self-sufficiency through low-carbon co-generation. By integrating bioethanol production with renewable energy generation, the Podari platform is positioned as a benchmark for sustainable industrial operations in Romania and aligns with broader European objectives on energy transition, decarbonisation and security of supply. Corden BioChem is the biotechnology subsidiary of International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), a privately held industrial group with global operations. Headquartered in Germany, Corden BioChem is a leading contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) for high-quality biotech products, with more than 70 years of experience and one of Europe’s largest fermentation and downstream processing capacities. The SAA team advising on the deal was led by Silviu Stratulat (Managing Partner), Manuela Iurașcu (Partner) and Luiza Ionescu (Special Counsel), and included Ana Kusak (Partner), Victor Iacob (Managing Associate), Alexandru Lazăr (Senior Associate), Alina Ghezuroiu (Associate) and Carlos Boșogeanu (Associate). The mandate covered integrated legal assistance across corporate, real estate, competition, M&A and energy matters. For any other information on this, please feel free to contact Delia Bîjnea (Head of Marketing and Communications) at [email protected] or Anastasia Tache (Marketing Assistant) at [email protected].

Stratulat Albulescu is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Luiza Ionescu and Costin Sandu to Partner, and Victor Iacob to Counsel, effective April 2026. This advancement reflects their strong track record in leading complex matters, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and driving senior-level client engagement across key mandates. Their promotion further reinforces the firm’s commitment to developing internal talent while strengthening its capabilities in high-level matter management and execution. Commenting on the promotions, Managing Partner Silviu Stratulat said: “Luiza joined our team seamlessly, taking over the coordination of our Energy practice and quickly becoming a point of reference for both colleagues and clients. At the same time, she has been actively involved in business development, both locally and internationally, as well as in the growth of our team and Energy practice. Her promotion is a natural step in recognition of this trajectory. Costin has been with us for several years and has consistently demonstrated professionalism, rigor and a remarkable ability to manage complex projects, including highly sensitive regulatory matters. He is highly appreciated by clients for his expertise and attention to detail and represents a key pillar within our team. Victor’s promotion to Counsel reflects his strong expertise in competition law and his consistent involvement in complex and high-profile mandates. We congratulate them all on this achievement and wish them every success in their new roles.” Dr. Luiza Ionescu is a Partner in our Energy & Infrastructure Group. She has over a decade of experience in the energy sector, spanning both conventional and renewable markets, including solar, wind, storage, hybrid and emerging technologies such as floating photovoltaic (PV) and agrivoltaics (agriPV). Her practice focuses on regulatory and transactional energy matters, with significant involvement in M&A, project development, permitting and compliance across all project stages, from land scouting and grid connection to EPC and PPA negotiation. Costin Sandu is a Partner in our TMT, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity teams, where he brings an innovative perspective, strong business acumen and hands-on leadership. With more than 18 years of experience, he specialises in technology law and compliance work, particularly in Data Protection and Cybersecurity, as well as in telecom matters. He also has a strong professional background in banking and finance, financial services regulatory and compliance, and corporate and M&A. Victor Iacob is a Counsel, qualified in Romania and New York, with 14 years of experience in EU and Romanian competition law. He focuses on merger control and foreign direct investment screening, as well as antitrust investigations, advisory work and compliance, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors. For any other information on this, please feel free to contact Delia Bîjnea (Head of Marketing and Communications) at [email protected] or Anastasia Tache (Marketing Assistant) at [email protected].

Effective 16 March, Stratulat Albulescu Attorneys at Law (“SAA”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andreea Nedeloiu as Partner and Head of Banking & Finance. Andreea brings over 14 years of experience advising on complex financing transactions. She joins SAA after spending her entire career with a leading international law firm, where she built a strong reputation advising on some of the most significant banking and finance transactions in Romania. Her practice spans the full spectrum of transactional finance, where she advises on sophisticated financing arrangements and supports both lenders and sponsors during the entire lifecycle of a financing transaction, from initial structuring and term sheet negotiation to the drafting and refinement of comprehensive documentation tailored to the commercial and regulatory realities of each deal. Throughout her career, she has been a trusted adviser to many of the most prominent domestic and international banks, financial institutions, credit providers, and multinational corporate borrowers and sponsors active in the Romanian market. She has played a key role in some of the most significant and high‑profile banking and finance transactions, contributing not only technical expertise but also strategic insight that helps clients navigate complexity and achieve their commercial objectives. In addition to her transactional expertise, she also advises extensively on regulatory matters, particularly those involving the cross‑border provision of banking, payment, and investment services. Her experience includes guiding financial institutions through the regulatory requirements applicable to offering services into Romania from other jurisdictions, assessing passporting and licensing implications, and ensuring compliance with local and EU‑level supervisory frameworks. Managing Partner Silviu Stratulat stated: "We are confident that Andreea’s arrival will give our Banking & Finance practice a new direction especially as the area is becoming of increased interest in our country. Her profile and experience along with her energy and presence overlaps perfectly with our strategy and drive. Our goal is to continue our growth and continue delivering legal advice directed at the needs of the client and towards creation of long-term value. Andreea will contribute to this journey and even in shaping the legal market." Andreea Nedeloiu added: "I am excited to join SAA at this stage of the firm's development. The firm's entrepreneurial culture, its commitment to excellence, and the calibre of its people drew me in immediately.  Stepping into the role of leading the Banking & Finance practice, my priority is to build on the high standard of service that clients have long relied on. I am eager to work alongside this talented team, ensuring that the quality, responsiveness, and practical insight our clients are accustomed to not only continue, but grow even stronger. I look forward to contributing to the firm's continued growth and ongoing success and bringing my network, experience and energy to support its ambitions for the future." Andreea's standing in the market is reflected in her consistent recognition by leading international legal directories, ranked as a Leading Associate in Banking & Finance by Legal 500 and distinguished as a Notable Practitioner by IFLR1000. Clients have long praised her for her thorough legal knowledge, unwavering availability, and the proactive, tailored approach she brings to every mandate. For any other information on this, please feel free to contact Delia Bîjnea (Head of Marketing and Communications) at [email protected] or Anastasia Tache (Marketing Assistant) at [email protected].