By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
In a potentially landmark case, leading record labels such as Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records are suing two artificial intelligence (AI) startups, Suno and Udio, for alleged copyright violations on an unprecedented scale. The plaintiffs seek compensation of $150,000 (£118,200) per infringed work, asserting that the AI software these companies developed unlawfully copy and generate music that mimics existing works.
Allegations and Legal Action
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced the lawsuits on Monday, emphasizing the severity of the alleged infringements. The complaints were filed in federal courts in Massachusetts and New York. According to the record labels, Suno and Udio's software "steals" music to produce similar sounding tracks, thus profiting from the original works without authorization. They argue that the AI tool's output lacks transformative purpose and competes directly with original recordings.
Background of the AI Firms
Suno, a Massachusetts based company, launched its first product last year and claims over 10 million users for its music making tool. The firm, which has a partnership with Microsoft, recently raised $125 million from investors. Udio, also known as Uncharted Labs and based in New York, has high profile backers like Andreessen Horowitz. Its app, released in April, quickly gained popularity for creating "BBL Drizzy," a parody track related to the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
Responses from Suno and Udio
Suno has yet to respond to requests for comment. In contrast, Udio defended its practices in a blog post, stating that it has no intention of reproducing existing content. The company claims its system is designed to generate new musical ideas and employs advanced filters to prevent the reproduction of copyrighted works or artists’s voices. Udio expressed confidence in its technology, believing that generative AI will play a significant role in modern society.
Broader Implications and Industry Reactions
This lawsuit is part of a broader trend where authors, news organizations, and other groups challenge the legality of AI firms using their work without permission. AI companies often invoke the fair use doctrine, comparing machine learning to human learning through exposure to existing works. However, the record labels argue that AI generated music's commercial motives threaten genuine human artistry and the music industry's ecosystem.
Specific Infringement Claims
The complaints highlight specific examples, including Suno and Udio’s creation of tracks that are nearly indistinguishable from original songs by well known artists. Udio's alleged reproductions include Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" and The Temptations' "My Girl." The plaintiffs assert that such practices constitute "wholesale theft" of copyrighted material, undermining the principles of copyright protection.
Call for Regulation
The lawsuits follow a recent appeal by approximately 200 artists, including Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj, who signed a letter demanding action against the "predatory" use of AI in the music industry. The signatories call for stricter regulations to prevent unauthorized use of their work by AI technologies.
The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for the use of AI in the creative industry, potentially reshaping the boundaries of copyright law in the digital age. As the legal battle unfolds, the music industry and AI developers alike will closely watch for implications on future technological innovations and copyright enforcement.