AI Music Licensing: Labels Sue Suno and Udio Over Copyright

Labels Sue and Sign: The High-Stakes Battle Over AI Music Licensing

While Sony and Universal sue AI startups Suno and Udio, they are simultaneously striking deals with YouTube to monetize voice cloning technology.

Marcus J. Delany

Mar 18, 2026, 5:55 AM PT · 2 min read

Tennessee's ELVIS Act is the first law specifically protecting artists' voices from AI replication.

THE RUNDOWN

RIAA sued AI platforms Suno and Udio for copyright infringement in June 2024.
Universal and Warner Music are negotiating AI voice-licensing deals with YouTube.
YouTube's 'Dream Track' features authorized AI vocals from Sia and John Legend.
Tennessee's ELVIS Act protects artists from unauthorized AI voice replication as of March 2024.
Over 200 artists signed an open letter demanding protection from predatory AI technology.

The music industry is currently locked in a tug-of-war with artificial intelligence. In June 2024, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) filed major lawsuits against AI music generators Suno and Udio. Major labels, including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records, allege these platforms trained their models on copyrighted recordings from legendary artists like Mariah Carey and The Beach Boys without permission.

However, the industry isn't just fighting AI; it’s trying to own it. Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have entered high-level negotiations with YouTube to license artist voices for legitimate AI tools. This follows the launch of YouTube's "Dream Track" experiment, which features authorized AI-generated vocals from stars like John Legend, Sia, and Charlie Puth. These deals aim to create a structured revenue stream where artists are paid when their "digital twins" are used by creators.

Artists are also pushing for legislative protection to ensure they don't lose control of their identities. In March 2024, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the ELVIS Act into law, making it the first state to protect musicians against unauthorized AI voice and likeness replication. Meanwhile, The Ivors Academy and the Artist Rights Alliance continue to lobby for "AI labeling" and fair compensation, backed by an open letter signed by over 200 artists, including Billie Eilish and Katy Perry.