Following prolonged litigation regarding the unauthorized use of licensed music, Warner Music has signed landmark deals with AI startups Udio and Suno. The licensing agreements ensure that its artists are compensated and have control over how their music is used, while creating new revenue streams.
Warner and Udio to Build a Licensed AI Music Platform
On November 19, Warner Music Group announced that it had reached an agreement with Udio. This new partnership settles their copyright dispute and establishes a framework for a licensed AI music platform launching in 2026. The collaboration will enable Udio to build a generative AI service trained exclusively on authorized music from WMG’s catalog.
The new service will allow users to create remixes, covers, and original songs using participating artists’ voices and songwriters’ compositions. Artists and songwriters will receive both credit and compensation. This venture will create new revenue opportunities for creators while maintaining protective rights over their work.
This partnership represents a major shift for Udio toward artist collaboration rather than unauthorized AI training. WMG CEO Robert Kyncl emphasized the company’s commitment to protecting creator rights while exploring AI’s potential responsibly. Udio CEO Andrew Sanchez described the agreement as pivotal for demonstrating how AI and music can evolve together productively.
The platform will include enhanced protections for creators. Udio’s existing system will remain available during the transition to the fully licensed platform.
Warner Partners with Suno on New Music Creation Platform
A week after the Udio deal, Warner Music Group settled its copyright lawsuit with AI music startup Suno, establishing a licensing partnership. The deal aims to balance innovation with creator protection by offering new music creation experiences while compensating artists and songwriters.
As part of the agreement, WMG sold its Songkick concert-discovery platform to Suno for an undisclosed sum. Songkick will continue operating as a fan destination under Suno’s ownership.
Suno will launch advanced, licensed AI models in 2026 to replace its current system. Free-tier users will only be able to play and share AI-generated songs. Downloading will require paid subscriptions. WMG artists—including Coldplay, The Weeknd, and Lady Gaga—will have complete control over how their names, voices, and compositions are used in AI-generated content.
Licensing Instead of Lawsuits
This settlement follows a broader industry shift, as Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group are reportedly negotiating similar deals with both startups. Suno recently raised $250 million at a $2.45 billion valuation, reflecting growing investor confidence in licensed AI music technology. Delaware-based Klay Vision Inc. was the first AI music startup to sign licensing deals with all three majors—Warner, Sony, and Universal.
PR Newswire – November 19, 2025