AI music firm Suno admitted using YouTube audio to train generative models in a September 1 court filing. This development follows a June 2024 copyright lawsuit from Sony Music and Universal Music Group. The labels claim Suno illegally copied massive amounts of copyrighted recordings.
Suno argues its data usage constitutes fair use under copyright law. The company also challenged the labels' standing regarding stream-ripping claims under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. A judge permitted the addition of these stream-ripping allegations in August 2026.
Warner Music Group settled its claims against Suno in late 2025. The former plaintiff has since established a licensing partnership with the AI company. Sony and UMG continue their legal pursuit.