AI Music and Voice: Suno, Udio, ElevenLabs — 2026-10-07
Suno faces intensified legal pressure as Universal Music Group and Sony Music file a second lawsuit against its newly launched v6 model, despite recent licensing deals with Warner and BMG. Meanwhile, a US federal appeals court rejected an AI "fair use" defense, setting a potentially dangerous precedent for AI music generators, while South Korea's copyright society navigates internal conflicts over AI royalty payouts.
AI Music and Voice: Suno, Udio, ElevenLabs — 2026-10-07
UMG and Sony File Second Lawsuit Against Suno’s v6 Model
Just weeks after Suno launched its v6 model—trained on licensed music from partners like Warner Music Group, BMG, and Believe—Universal Music Group (UMG) and Sony Music filed a new 45-page lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts. The suit alleges copyright infringement involving over 60,000 recordings, signaling that licensing deals with some labels do not shield Suno from litigation by others. This move highlights the fragmented legal landscape where major labels are simultaneously partnering with and suing the same AI entities.
Federal Appeals Court Rejects AI Fair Use Defense
On September 29, the US Court of Appeals ruled against AI legal research company ROSS Intelligence in a case brought by Thomson Reuters, rejecting the argument that training AI on copyrighted data constitutes fair use. While this specific case involved text, legal analysts warn that the ruling sets a critical precedent for AI music generators like Suno and Udio, which have relied on similar fair use defenses to justify their training methods. This decision could significantly weaken Suno’s position in ongoing copyright battles.
Sony Music Intensifies Fight Against Streaming Fraud
Sony Music is stepping up its battle against streaming fraud caused by AI-generated deepfake songs that impersonate its biggest artists. The label is actively working to combat the surge of fraudulent uploads designed to manipulate streaming algorithms and siphon royalties. This initiative comes as platforms struggle to manage the influx of machine-made tracks, with some estimates suggesting AI content accounts for a significant portion of daily uploads on services like Deezer.
South Korea’s KOMCA Reverses AI Royalty Hold Decision
The Korean Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) notified a creator that it would release withheld copyright royalties for an AI-assisted track, only to reverse the decision one day later following a board meeting. This inconsistency has raised questions about the objectivity of KOMCA’s procedures for identifying AI-generated works and managing royalty payments. The incident underscores the ongoing confusion and lack of standardized protocols among collecting societies globally when dealing with AI-composed music.
Local view
Korean Media Highlight K-Pop’s AI Dilemma
South Korean media outlets are closely monitoring the divergence in strategies among global music giants. Edaily reports that while UMG and Sony are pursuing litigation against Suno, Warner Music Group has chosen to settle and license its catalog, creating a split in the "Big Three" approach to AI music. This strategic fragmentation is causing anxiety within the K-pop industry regarding how local labels should navigate similar negotiations.
Concerns Over Authenticity in Korean Charts
Hankyoreh reports on cases where creators using AI for composition but human lyrics are achieving chart success on Melon, yet receiving zero copyright royalties due to ambiguous registration rules. This highlights a growing disconnect between commercial performance and legal protection for hybrid human-AI works in the Korean market, where listeners and venues are increasingly encountering "click music" (AI-generated background tracks) in cafes.
Context & numbers
- Suno Valuation & Funding: Suno is valued at approximately $5.4 billion, having raised over $775 million. The company recently appointed a new CFO, fueling speculation about a potential IPO, though ongoing lawsuits remain a significant hurdle.
- AI Upload Volume: As of April 2026, 44% of new daily uploads to Deezer were fully AI-generated, amounting to roughly 75,000 tracks per day. While Spotify and Apple Music have not disclosed comparable figures, the industry is grappling with the sheer volume of machine-made content.
- Pricing Updates: Google has moved developers to Lyria 3.5 at $0.08 per song, while ElevenLabs updated its Music v2.5 pricing to a unified credit model. Udio has settled with labels and disabled downloads, altering its creator economy dynamics.
On the radar
- Musicians’ Lawsuit Dismissal Motion: Universal and Warner labels have asked a court to dismiss a lawsuit brought by musicians over the Udio and Suno deals, arguing the claims are barred by collective bargaining agreements. The outcome could define whether individual artists can challenge label-led AI licensing deals.
- KOMCA Policy Review: Following the reversal of its royalty hold decision, KOMCA is under pressure to clarify its standards for AI-assisted vs. AI-generated works. False filings currently risk royalty holds and contract termination in South Korea, creating a chilling effect on creators experimenting with AI tools.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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