The world’s largest record labels, such as Sony Music and Warner Records, have filed a lawsuit against AI startups Suno and Udio for massive copyright infringement. As alleged by the lawsuit, these businesses use AI software to copy songs and thereafter, with the same software, compose works substantially similar thereto while demanding compensation of $150,000 per song. On Monday, actions were announced by the Recording Industry Association of America.
There’s Massachusetts-based Suno, partnered with Microsoft, which a year ago released its music-making tool. It boasts upwards of 10 million users and recently raised $125 million in funding. Another was Udio, better known as Uncharted Labs, which received funding from investors like Andreessen Horowitz, and made headlines for creating a parody track centered on artists Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Its app launched publicly in April.
AI companies have already made claims for fair use of copyrighted material by comparing their process with human learning. According to the lawsuits, Suno and Udio generate direct revenue from copying songs for no transformative purpose. The record labels argue that this only puts at risk the authenticity and livelihoods of musicians and the broader music industry.
