TLDR:
- World’s biggest record labels suing AI start-ups over alleged copyright violations
- Lawsuits claim firms published copyrighted music without permission, seeking $150,000 per work
The world’s biggest record labels, including Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records, have filed lawsuits against two artificial intelligence (AI) start-ups, Suno and Udio, alleging copyright infringement on a massive scale. The firms are accused of stealing music to create similar works and the record labels are seeking compensation of $150,000 per work.
Firms like Suno and Udio did not immediately respond to the request for comment from the Recording Industry Association of America. Suno, based in Massachusetts, released its first product last year, claiming over 10 million users. Udio, backed by venture capital investors, achieved notoriety for creating a parody track related to Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s feud.
Previous arguments by AI firms regarding fair use doctrine were dismissed by the complaints, which were filed in federal court. The record labels argue that these companies are profiting from copying songs without transformative purpose. The lawsuits claim that AI-generated works by Suno and Udio closely resemble original recordings from artists such as ABBA and Mariah Carey, posing a threat to genuine human artistry and the music ecosystem as a whole.
Just months prior, a letter signed by approximately 200 artists urged for the prevention of “predatory” use of AI in the music industry. The lawsuits underscore the ongoing debate surrounding AI’s role in music creation and its impact on copyright protection.