Sony-backed blockchain network Soneium announced plans on October 26 to launch a native cryptocurrency, $SONEIUM, alongside an artificial intelligence royalty system designed to pay creators automatically. The announcement comes as total value locked (TVL) across the network's decentralized finance applications has collapsed by 95% from $203 million in May 2025 to approximately $9.4 million.
Soneium Details AI Licensing and Tokenized IP
Developed in partnership with Japanese blockchain firm Startale, Soneium unveiled an automated AI licensing architecture supporting ERC-8432, a proposed Ethereum standard for machine-readable intellectual property licensing. Under the proposed system, creators can register creative works on-chain so AI platforms can verify licensing conditions and process automated royalty payments.
In addition to copyright management, the network detailed plans for tokenized entertainment investments. Users will be able to invest in fan-backed tokens for the Moriusa character franchise, alongside a partnership with K-pop company DayOneDream to offer tokenized shares of concert revenue. "We will help them fund their next work at a new scale," stated Soneium Protocol Head Yuji Kumagai.
TVL Drop and Legal Context
According to data from DefiLlama, financial activity on the network has declined significantly. Four primary applications on Soneium—Kyo Finance, Sonex, Untitled Bank, and Sake Finance—held a combined $159 million in TVL at their peak, but currently hold roughly $1.5 million. Over a 24-hour period, the network processed 163,691 transactions but generated just $118 in total network revenue.
The initiative arrives as parent company Sony Music continues legal enforcement against AI developers. In July, Sony filed a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement across more than 30,000 recordings against AI music generator Udio, seeking potential statutory damages exceeding $4.5 billion. However, rival record labels Universal Music and Warner Music have already established licensing deals with Udio without using blockchain infrastructure. As tech leaders debate broader AI model restrictions and governance, no AI companies have officially committed to Soneium's proposed royalty system, and no firm launch date has been set for the $SONEIUM token.
Key Takeaways
- TVL Drop: Soneium TVL fell 95% from $203 million in May 2025 to $9.4 million, with network revenue at $118 over 24 hours.
- New Features: Network announced plans for native $SONEIUM token, ERC-8432 AI licensing standard, and IP investments for Moriusa and DayOneDream.
- App Decline: Top protocols Kyo Finance, Sonex, Untitled Bank, and Sake Finance dropped from $159 million combined peak TVL to $1.5 million.
Why It Matters
Soneium's attempt to bridge traditional media IP with on-chain mechanics represents a high-stakes test of corporate blockchain adoption. While Sony controls vast entertainment assets, attracting third-party AI developers to an automated royalty model remains an uphill battle when major competitors settle directly off-chain. Success will depend on whether $SONEIUM token incentives and corporate IP rights can restore liquidity to an ecosystem that has seen network activity drop to negligible revenue levels.
