A Legal Showdown in the Music Industry: AI, Lawsuits, and Celebrity Cases
The music industry appears to be at a crossroads with its ongoing legal battles concerning artificial intelligence. Recent reports suggest that major record labels—Universal Music, Warner Music, and Sony Music—are in discussions to license their music to AI companies Suno and Udio. This marks a notable shift, as these labels had previously launched hefty copyright lawsuits alleging that the startups were infringing on their music copyrights on an unprecedented scale.
Both parties have painted the legal conflicts as a vital struggle for the future of music. The labels contend that Suno and Udio are undermining artists’ rights in a bid to replace them, while the startups argue that the music giants are leveraging intellectual property claims to quash innovative technology that threatens their dominance in the market.
While speculation of an imminent deal between the labels and AI firms is circulating, the reality may be more complex. Settlement discussions are a typical stage in litigation, though it remains unclear how far along these talks have progressed. The labels have expressed a willingness to negotiate, yet reaching a final agreement will require addressing a multitude of intricate issues, as noted by my colleague Kristin Robinson.
As the music industry grapples with this decision—accepting short-term profits by partnering with AI developers or fighting to preserve their market integrity—it also faces a historical precedent. Many industry leaders remember how labels struggled against the rise of digital music in the 2000s, opting for courtroom battles instead of harnessing new technologies. It wasn’t until labels began collaborating with streaming services like Spotify that the industry saw a revival.
In this evolving landscape, the stakes are high. Should labels agree to allow their music catalogs for AI training now, they risk becoming unnecessary down the line as AI continues to grow and develop.
In other notable news this week:
Lizzo’s legal team has filed an appeal to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by her former backup dancers, characterizing the claims as an infringement on her First Amendment rights to express herself through her artistry and advocate for body positivity.
In a separate matter, Eight Mile Style, which owns a significant portion of Eminem’s catalog, has filed a copyright complaint against Meta. The lawsuit claims that both Facebook and Instagram used Eminem’s tracks, including “Lose Yourself,” in their platforms without proper licensing, alleging a massive violation of copyright laws for financial gain.
Cultural icon Smokey Robinson has countersued four former housekeepers after they accused him of rape. He alleges that their claims are part of a “scheme” to extort him, further asserting charges of defamation and invasion of privacy.
In legal relief, YoungBoy Never Broke Again received a pardon from former President Donald Trump. After being released from prison in April for firearms possession, the rapper expressed gratitude, stating, “This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this.”
On another front, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer struck a plea deal following a tragic accident in Los Angeles, resulting in a plea of no contest to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter. He received one year of informal probation and community service as part of the agreement.
Offset, a member of Migos, has updated his divorce petition to seek spousal support from Cardi B as they finalize their ongoing separation, adding alimony demands amid an increasingly contentious case after six years of marriage.
Lastly, the U.S. Justice Department has pushed the Supreme Court to consider a billion-dollar lawsuit against Cox Communications, brought by major record labels. The lawsuit, previously resulting in a $1 billion verdict in 2019, holds Cox accountable for widespread copyright infringements by its users, with potential implications for internet service providers across the country.
Brooklyn rapper Fivio Foreign has also entered a plea deal concerning allegations he threatened a woman in New Jersey. As part of the agreement, he has pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree terroristic threats, while prosecutors have dropped additional charges, including illegal possession of a weapon.