Generative AI Music Copyright Disputes Spread Through Settlements and New Conflicts

At a glance

As music made with generative AI rapidly increases on streaming platforms, copyright disputes are growing too. Major record labels are suing AI music companies, and some have settled and switched to licensing agreements. A German court has for the first time ruled that an AI music service infringed copyright.

Key points

1. 1

   In June 2024, record labels sued AI music services Suno and Udio for copyright infringement.

2. 2

   Some labels settled and signed licensing (permission to use) agreements, but new disputes arose over how musicians will be compensated.

3. 3

   The Munich Regional Court in Germany ruled that Suno infringed copyright by using original songs without permission. This ruling is under appeal.

4. 4

   A US court found that AI voices imitating a singer do not count as copyright infringement, but such cases may still be challenged under the right of publicity (the right to commercially use one's name and voice).

Why it matters

As more AI-made music appears, how to protect the rights of singers and musicians has become a key issue for the whole music industry.