Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Records have sued AI music firms Suno and Udio for severe copyright violation.
According to Quartz, The Washington Post, and Vulture, the lawsuits allege that these businesses used copyrighted music without permission to train their AI models, which generate music based on user input and may devalue original compositions by human musicians.
Record Labels Go After Startups
Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Records filed lawsuits on June 24, 2024, against AI music startups Suno and Udio, alleging that they used copyrighted music without permission to train their AI models. These models compose music based on user input, which the record companies claim may devalue original compositions by human musicians.
The legal cases seek up to $150,000 in damages for each infringing song, as well as injunctions to ban the usage of copyrighted content for AI training. Songs like “My Girl” by The Temptations, as well as vocal imitations of performers like Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen, are specific examples of alleged infringement.
Unauthorized Use Allegations
The complaints claim that Suno and Udio violated copyright rules by training their AI systems on songs without getting the requisite licenses or approvals. This approach apparently includes cloning decades of popular sound recordings to create AI-generated music that resembles authentic human recordings. Specific instances highlighted include Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and vocal imitations of singers such as Bruce Springsteen and ABBA.
Impact On The Music Industry
The cases against Suno and Udio highlight a major risk in the music industry: eventual market saturation with AI-generated content. The record companies argue that the surge of machine-generated music will reduce the quality and commercial worth of actual sound recordings, so affecting both artists and customers. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has underlined the importance of responsible AI development that protects artists’ rights and involves engagement with the music community.
Broader AI Implications
The lawsuit against Suno and Udio is part of a larger trend of increased scrutiny and regulation of AI technology, particularly those that overlap with creative sectors. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has highlighted concerns about the ethical and legal consequences of AI-generated content, highlighting the importance of responsible AI development that respects artists’ rights and involves engagement with the music community. This case emphasizes the persistent dichotomy between technological innovation and intellectual property rights, potentially setting precedents for future regulation and monetization of AI-generated content.