Can Soneium's New AI Licensing Plan and Token Revive Sony's Struggling Blockchain?

Sony is pursuing a model where artificial intelligence firms automatically compensate content creators. Its blockchain project has conceived a system to achieve this, despite a dramatic drop in funds held within its financial apps.

Sony-backed blockchain Soneium unveiled a framework for AI licensing, entertainment sector investments, and the creation of its own cryptocurrency on October 26.

The question is whether this will restore the Soneium network, which has seen over 90% of its total value locked (TVL) disappear since the start of 2025.

Sony’s $193 Million Blockchain Problem

According to data from DefiLlama, the funds deposited in Soneium's decentralized finance (DeFi) applications have plunged 95% from $203 million in May 2025 to roughly $9.4 million.

At their highest point, four prominent apps—Kyo Finance, Sonex, Untitled Bank and Sake Finance—collectively held roughly $159 million. Currently, their holdings stand at about $1.5 million.

Within a 24-hour period, the network handled 163,691 transactions yet brought in only $118 in revenue.

Such metrics point to weak financial engagement, even though DeFi deposits are not a complete measure of all value stored on the Soneium chain.

Can AI Royalties Bring Investors Back?

The platform, built in conjunction with Japanese crypto company Startale, aims to allow creators to log their works on the blockchain. This would let AI systems verify licensing terms and trigger payments without manual intervention.

It intends to integrate ERC-8432, a proposed Ethereum standard optimized for machine-readable licensing.

Separately, enthusiasts could buy tokens representing the Moriusa character franchise. A collaboration with K-pop firm DayOneDream is designed to provide investment opportunities tied to concert royalties.

“We will help them fund their next work at a new scale,” said Soneium Protocol Head Yuji Kumagai.

Sony’s AI Copyright Battle Raises Bigger Questions

Sony Music is already engaged in legal disputes with AI firms regarding uncompensated use of material.

In July, it launched a fresh legal action against AI music platform Udio, accusing it of infringing on over 30,000 recordings. Should Sony win on all counts, statutory damages might surpass $4.5 billion.

Both Universal Music and Warner Music have already negotiated licensing deals with Udio that do not use blockchain technology.

Soneium has not yet identified any AI company that will adopt its suggested licensing framework. The planned $SONEIUM token still lacks a definite release date.

The key question is whether entertainment companies and AI developers will truly embrace the platform, creating enough economic activity to turn around Soneium's financial struggles.