Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced a landmark partnership with AI music startup Suno, settling a high-profile copyright infringement lawsuit. The agreement not only resolves legal disputes but also paves the way for new frontiers in AI-powered music creation, ensuring artist protection and compensation.
Under the terms of the agreement, WMG artists and songwriters will retain full control over the use of their names, images, voices, and compositions in any new AI-generated music. This commitment extends to WMG's extensive roster, which includes global superstars such as Lady Gaga, Coldplay, The Weeknd, and Sabrina Carpenter.
As part of the comprehensive deal, WMG has also sold Songkick, its live music and concert-discovery platform, to Suno for an undisclosed sum. WMG had acquired Songkick's app and brand in 2017, with Live Nation later acquiring its ticketing business. Songkick will continue to operate as a dedicated fan destination under Suno's ownership.
Suno is set to launch more advanced, licensed AI models next year, replacing its current offerings. The service will introduce a paid tier for audio downloads, while free users will be limited to playing and sharing songs created on the platform.
"This landmark pact with Suno is a victory for the creative community that benefits everyone," said Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG. "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."
This agreement follows WMG's recent settlement with another AI music startup, Udio, just last week. That deal also included a licensing agreement for an AI music creation service slated for a 2026 launch.
These settlements signal a significant shift in the music industry's approach to AI. Last year, WMG, Universal Music Group (UMG), and Sony Music Entertainment jointly sued Suno and Udio for copyright infringement. While WMG has resolved its disputes, UMG and Sony Music are reportedly in ongoing talks to license their catalogs to both Suno and Udio, potentially leading to further settlements.
The news also coincides with Suno's announcement last week that it successfully raised a $250 million Series C funding round, valuing the company at $2.45 billion post-money. The round was led by Menlo Ventures, with participation from Nvidia’s NVentures, Hallwood Media, Lightspeed, and Matrix, underscoring strong investor confidence in AI music technology.
