Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Files Lawsuit Over AI Use

Universal, Sony, and Warner Music vs. Udio and Suno

As has been reported here on several occasions, the use of protected works for AI is restricted by current law. This also applies when AI seeks to use such works—that is, intellectual property—solely for “training purposes,” meaning to improve existing algorithms. The owner or authorized licensee decides who may use the protected works and in what form.

In this regard, the decision by the German collecting society VG Wort, for example, to include such licenses in the collecting agreement seems logical and forward-looking.

Now, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), representing Sony, Warner Music, and Universal, has filed a lawsuit against the AI startups Suno and Udio. These tools generate complete songs for users—complete with instruments, lyrics, and vocals—which are offered based on music genre or in various variations, with good results.

The RIAA accuses the companies of using “large numbers of protected recordings” for their business model and, in doing so, even creating works that could potentially compete with those of the rights holders. .

The opposing side, on the other hand, cites the so-called “fair use” principle that exists in the United States. This principle allows for the use of copyrighted material when it serves, for example, public education, satire, or news reporting.

One reason this approach is controversial is that the fair use principle relates to human creativity.

It remains to be seen how this issue will develop. The music industry is not fundamentally opposed to the use of AI; however, licensing agreements must be put in place that preserve control for rights holders and artists. Similarly, 200 artists expressed criticism in an open letter regarding the use of AI in their works.

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