Recently Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment have launched lawsuits against AI music generation startups Udio and Suno.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is leading the charge, seeking up to $150,000 per infringed work, potentially amounting to billions in damages.
The labels allege that Suno and Udio trained their AI models on copyrighted recordings without permission or compensation.
The RIAA further claims that the platforms’ outputs imitate specific artists and hit songs. The startups, both of which have recently secured substantial funding, have reportedly admitted to training on copyrighted material.
This marks a significant moment in the world of AI as the same legal issues that have plagued text and image generation platforms now face AI music. Unlike other sectors, record labels have shown a more proactive approach in their willingness to collaborate with AI firms.
The outcome of these lawsuits will determine whether they set actual precedents for the industry or simply lead to hefty settlements and eventual licensing deals.
Stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating intersection of music, technology, and copyright law.