Multiple sources have revealed that the three major music companies, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, are considering filing a lawsuit against AI startups Suno and Udio. The potential legal action stems from allegations that the companies have trained their generative AI music models using unauthorized sound recordings. While many competitors in the field focus on generating specific elements of music, such as lyrics or vocals, Suno and Udio offer users the ability to generate all three components with a single click.
The lawsuit, which could be filed as early as next week, would mark a significant move by the music industry to address concerns surrounding the use of copyrighted material in AI training. Previously, the music companies had filed a lawsuit against Anthropic, another major AI firm, over the use of ed lyrics. However, this new suit would specifically target the use of music and sound recordings.
Udio, which launched a few months ago, has already gained attention for its AI-generated hit song “BBL Drizzy.” The track, initially created as a parody by comedian King Willonius, gained further popularity through a remix by super producer Metro Boomin. It even reached new heights when it was sampled in a song by Sexyy Red and Drake, becoming the first major example of sampling an AI-generated song. Suno, launched in December 2023, has also experienced early success and recently announced raising $125 million in funding from notable investors.
Critics within the music industry have raised concerns that both Suno and Udio train their models on ed material, including hit songs, without obtaining consent, providing compensation, or giving credit to the rights holders. Representatives for the AI startups have previously declined to comment on whether they use protected s, with Udio’s co-founders stating that they train on “good music.” However, investigations by AI safety non-profit Fairly Trained have found that the generated music from both companies bears a striking resemblance to ed music in terms of melody, chords, style, and lyrics.
The central question in any potential lawsuit would revolve around whether the use of unlicensed materials to train AI models constitutes infringement. AI companies argue that such training falls under the fair use doctrine, which allows for the reuse of protected works without breaking the law. However, content owners in various sectors have filed similar lawsuits over AI training, challenging this interpretation.
Some AI companies have taken a more “ethical” approach by working directly with rights holders to license their s or establish official partnerships. Major music companies, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, have already embraced such partnerships with AI companies. These collaborations include projects with YouTube, Vermillio, Edith Piaf’s estate, and SoundLabs.