Warner Music Group announced a settlement with AI music startup Suno on Tuesday, resolving a copyright lawsuit filed last year. The agreement includes the sale of WMG’s live-music platform Songkick to Suno and establishes a partnership to advance AI music tools while protecting artists’ rights.
The settlement enables new developments in music creation, interaction, and discovery. It ensures compensation for artists, songwriters, and the broader creative community alongside safeguards for their intellectual property. WMG, one of the world’s largest music companies, initiated the lawsuit against Suno in 2023, alleging unauthorized use of copyrighted material to train AI models that generate music.
As part of the deal, WMG sold Songkick to Suno for an undisclosed sum. WMG had purchased Songkick’s app and brand in 2017 to enhance fan engagement and concert discovery. Subsequently, Live Nation acquired Songkick’s ticketing operations. Under the new arrangement, Suno will operate Songkick as a dedicated platform for fans to explore live music events.
Suno plans to introduce more advanced AI models next year, licensed through the partnership with WMG. These models will supersede the current versions, incorporating protections derived from the settlement. Access to downloading generated audio files will be restricted to paid account holders. Users on the free tier can only play and share songs created via the platform, limiting broader distribution without subscription.
Artists and songwriters affiliated with WMG will maintain complete authority over the inclusion of their names, images, likenesses, voices, and compositions in AI-generated music. This control allows them to approve or deny usage in specific projects. WMG’s roster encompasses prominent acts such as Lady Gaga, Coldplay, The Weeknd, and Sabrina Carpenter, among numerous others whose works form the backbone of the label’s catalog.
WMG CEO Robert Kyncl described the agreement in the press release as follows: “This landmark pact with Suno is a victory for the creative community that benefits everyone.” He added, “With Suno rapidly scaling, both in users and monetization, we’ve seized this opportunity to shape models that expand revenue and deliver new fan experiences.” Kyncl’s statements underscore the partnership’s focus on integrating AI technology with established music industry practices.
The announcement follows WMG’s settlement with another AI music startup, Udio, one week prior. That resolution included a licensing agreement for an AI music creation service scheduled for launch in 2026. Both settlements address copyright concerns raised in lawsuits filed by WMG, Universal Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment against Suno and Udio last year.
Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment remain engaged in discussions to license their catalogs to Udio and Suno, potentially leading to resolutions of their ongoing lawsuits. These negotiations reflect ongoing efforts within the industry to establish frameworks for AI applications in music production.
Suno’s recent financial milestone highlights growing investment in AI music technologies. The company secured a $250 million Series C funding round last week, achieving a post-money valuation of $2.45 billion. Menlo Ventures led the investment, with contributions from Nvidia’s venture arm NVentures, Hallwood Media, Lightspeed, and Matrix. This capital infusion supports Suno’s expansion amid increasing adoption of its AI tools.
