Record labels Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group have filed copyright infringement lawsuits against AI companies Suno and Udio for using copyrighted songs without authorization in training their generative AI models.
On June 24, 2024, major record labels, including Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group, filed copyright infringement lawsuits against two artificial intelligence companies, Suno and Udio. The lawsuits, announced by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), allege that these AI companies used copyrighted songs without authorization to train their generative AI models, thereby producing new music.
The suits were filed separately, with one against Suno in Massachusetts and another against Udio in New York. The companies are accused of using material from renowned artists like Mariah Carey, Jerry Lee Lewis, ABBA, and Michael Jackson.
Mitch Glazier, CEO of the RIAA, emphasized the music industry’s willingness to collaborate with AI developers who respect copyrights but condemned unlicensed services like Suno and Udio for exploiting artists’ works without consent.
Suno’s CEO, Mikey Shulman, defended his company’s practices, claiming their technology creates new, original outputs and does not allow prompts referencing specific artists. Shulman stated that they attempted to engage in discussions with the record labels, but their attempts were rebuffed.
The plaintiffs are seeking court orders to stop the AI companies from using their copyrighted material and are also demanding damages. Udio did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
