Sony Music Files 2nd Udio Suit Over 30,117 AI-Training Recordings
Updated
Updated · Music Business Worldwide · Jul 20
Sony Music Files 2nd Udio Suit Over 30,117 AI-Training Recordings
3 articles · Updated · Music Business Worldwide · Jul 20
Summary
30,117 sound recordings are at the center of Sony Music’s new copyright suit in New York, a separate action filed after a judge refused to add them to its existing 2024 case against Udio.
Sony says discovery in that earlier case uncovered hundreds of thousands of matches in Udio’s training data through audio fingerprinting, with the new complaint covering only a small subset.
The filing also alleges Udio stream-ripped many tracks from YouTube using YT-DLP, triggering DMCA circumvention claims alongside infringement claims for post-1972 and pre-1972 recordings.
Sony seeks up to $150,000 per infringed work, plus up to $2,500 for each circumvention act and an injunction, while Udio has argued its training use is fair use.
The case highlights Sony’s tougher stance toward AI music firms: Udio has already licensed with Universal, Warner and others, while rival Suno faces parallel major-label claims.
Can AI music survive if lawsuits force companies like Udio to license every song used for training?
As other labels partner with AI, is Sony's lawsuit about protecting artists or simply controlling the future of music?
Sony vs. Udio: The 30,117-Work Lawsuit That Will Decide AI Music’s Legal Future
Overview
As of July 2026, the legal fight between major record labels and AI music platforms is intensifying. Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment are suing Suno and Udio after fingerprinting technology revealed these AI platforms used millions of their recordings for training. This discovery led to an expanded complaint, making the case even bigger. The main issue is whether using copyrighted music to train AI counts as fair use. Both sides are expected to file motions for summary judgment, and the court’s decision could set a major precedent for how AI music companies operate in the future.