The world’s largest record labels are suing two artificial intelligence (AI) start-ups, Suno and Udio, over alleged copyright violations in a potentially landmark case. The plaintiffs, including Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records, claim that these companies’ software infringes on their copyrights on an “almost unimaginable scale.” They seek compensation of $150,000 (£118,200) per infringement.
Allegations of Massive Copyright Infringement
According to the lawsuits, Suno and Udio’s AI tools steal music to generate similar works. Suno has not responded to requests for comments, while Udio stated in a blog post on Tuesday that it is “completely uninterested in reproducing content.”
These lawsuits, announced on Monday by the Recording Industry Association of America, are part of a broader wave of legal challenges from authors, news organizations, and other groups against AI firms using their work. Suno, based in Massachusetts, launched its first product last year and boasts over 10 million users. The company, partnered with Microsoft, charges a monthly fee for its service and recently raised $125 million from investors. Udio, also known as Uncharted Labs and based in New York, has backing from high-profile venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz. The app gained rapid fame in April for creating “BBL Drizzy,” a parody track related to the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
AI companies have previously argued that their use of copyrighted material falls under the fair use doctrine, which allows for certain uses without a license, such as for satire and news. Supporters compare AI learning to human learning from reading, hearing, and seeing previous works. Udio claims its system was “explicitly designed to create music reflecting new musical ideas” and has implemented filters to prevent reproducing copyrighted works or artists’ voices. “We stand behind our technology and believe that generative AI will become a mainstay of modern society,” Udio stated.
Record Labels’ Counterarguments
The lawsuits, filed in federal court in Massachusetts and New York, allege that Suno and Udio are monetizing copied songs without transformative use. The complaints argue that the AI models ingest copyrighted recordings solely to generate new, competing music files, with some results like “Prancing Queen” being almost indistinguishable from authentic ABBA recordings. Specific songs cited include Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” and The Temptations’ “My Girl.”
The record labels assert that the motive behind these AI tools is “brazenly commercial” and threatens genuine human artistry, the core of copyright protection. They stress that AI firms must adhere to existing copyright laws, warning that the “wholesale theft” of recordings endangers the entire music ecosystem. This legal action follows a letter signed by roughly 200 artists, including Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj, calling for an end to the “predatory” use of AI in the music industry.
