Major record labels have launched a federal lawsuit against AI music platform Suno, Inc.. They allege massive copyright infringement that could reshape the music industry’s relationship with artificial intelligence. At the same time, Sony Music is suing music streamer LiveOne for unpaid licensing fees. Both cases focus on the unauthorized use of copyrighted music.
Who’s Suing Suno?
Eight prominent companies, including Atlantic Recording Corporation, Capitol Records, UMG Recordings, and Sony Music Entertainment, filed the case in Massachusetts federal court. The legal action claims that Suno illegally copied decades of popular recordings to train its AI system.
Allegations of Copyright Infringement
The lawsuit alleges that Suno reproduced copyrighted sound recordings without authorization to develop its generative AI model. Suno’s AI can create music that mimics human-made tracks. The labels argue that AI technology doesn’t exempt companies from established copyright protection and that permission from rightsholders is required for such uses.
Timbaland TaTa AI Controversy and Copyright Law
The lawsuit highlights the controversy surrounding Timbaland’s AI artist “TaTa.” The AI-generated artist was created through Suno’s Stage Zero platform, which has sparked industry backlash and raised questions about creative ownership in the AI era. While Timbaland denies training AI on others’ music, his extensive catalog access fuels speculation about potential indirect infringement.
Secrecy of AI Training Material
Central to the case is the “AI blackbox paradox.” It is impossible to audit what specific copyrighted material was used in AI training, making transparency nearly impossible. Suno’s defense relies on fair use claims. However, plaintiffs argue this doesn’t apply to large-scale commercial exploitation.
AI Training and Licensing
The labels seek up to $150,000 per infringed work plus injunctive relief to halt Suno’s operations. The outcome could fundamentally reshape AI music generation. Platforms may have to obtain licenses for all training material. A ruling in this case would establish crucial precedents for balancing technological innovation with artist rights and compensation in the digital age.
Sony Music Sues LiveOne for $2.6m in Licensing Fees
The music streamer LiveOne is being sued by Sony Music over unpaid music royalties. The lawsuit claims that LiveOne’s Slacker Radio streaming service owes Sony $2.6 million in licensing payments. They stopped paying last August. As a result, Sony terminated its agreement with LiveOne. However, over 200 tracks are still available for users to stream.
LiveOne’s Lawsuit History
This legal action follows SoundExchange’s successful lawsuit in 2022. A court found Slacker, Inc. and LiveOne liable for a $9.7 million in statutory royalties that dated back to 2017.
What’s Next for LiveOne?
Following Napster’s acquisition by Infinite Reality in March, LiveOne has been exploring its strategic options. In May, investors agreed to finance the company’s debt of approximately $16.8m.