Music labels sue AI song generators Suno and Udio for copyright infringement

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the lawsuits filed by major record labels against AI music generators Suno and Udio for alleged copyright infringement. The record labels claim that the AI startups are exploiting the recorded works of artists without permission or compensation.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Copyright Infringement Lawsuits

1. What are the key details of the copyright infringement lawsuits against Suno and Udio?

• The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced the lawsuits brought by major record labels including Sony, Universal, and Warner against the AI music startups Suno and Udio.
• One lawsuit was filed in Boston against Suno AI, and the other in New York against Uncharted Labs, the developer of Udio AI.
• The lawsuits claim that Suno and Udio's software "steals music to 'spit out' similar work" and are asking for $150,000 in compensation per work.

2. What are the key arguments made by the record labels and the AI companies?

• The record labels argue that Suno and Udio are exploiting the recorded works of artists without permission or compensation.
• Suno's CEO Mikey Shulman says the technology is "designed to generate completely new outputs, not to memorize and regurgitate pre-existing content" and doesn't allow users to reference specific artists.
• RIAA's CEO Mitch Glazier says the music industry is collaborating with responsible AI developers, but "unlicensed services like Suno and Udio" that copy artists' work without consent or pay are setting back the promise of innovative AI.

[02] AI in the Music Industry

1. What are the key debates around AI in the music industry?

• There are debates around the creative possibilities of new AI technology as well as concerns about its legality.
• In March, Tennessee became the first US state to pass legislation to protect music industry professionals against the potential dangers of AI.
• Over 200 artists signed an open letter calling on AI companies to stop using AI to infringe upon and devalue the rights of human artists.