Broader Battle Over AI and Copyright
The settlement doesn’t yet include the other major labels—Capitol Records, Sony Music Entertainment, and Atlantic Recording Corp.—that joined UMG in the suit. Their participation in the deal remains unclear, and representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
The case, filed on June 24, 2024, mirrored another ongoing lawsuit by the same group of labels against AI music company Suno Inc. in Massachusetts federal court. That case, still active, accuses Suno of using copyrighted songs to train its models without permission.
These legal battles mark the frontline of an escalating struggle between legacy music giants and AI startups, as copyright law strains to catch up with generative technologies that can mimic voices, compositions, and production styles with uncanny precision.
The Legal Teams Behind the Sound
UMG and the labels were represented by Jonathan King of Cowan Liebowitz & Latman PC, alongside a powerhouse team from Hueston & Hannigan LLP and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Udio’s defense was led by a formidable roster, including Alex Spiro and Andrew Schapiro of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, and a team from Latham & Watkins LLP.
