Sony Files $4.5 Billion Udio Suit Over 30,000 Recordings as Rivals Already Settled
Updated
Updated · Billboard · Jul 20
Sony Files $4.5 Billion Udio Suit Over 30,000 Recordings as Rivals Already Settled
3 articles · Updated · Billboard · Jul 20
Summary
More than 30,000 Sony-owned recordings are now at issue in a new Udio lawsuit, sharply expanding the AI music company's potential liability from $50 million to $4.5 billion.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein last month blocked Sony from adding the works to its 2024 case, saying it would prejudice Udio and delay resolution, effectively forcing Sony to file a second action.
Sony says discovery of Udio's training data revealed a far larger alleged copying operation than the original 333-song complaint, with recordings allegedly taken from YouTube and used to train the model.
Udio still argues AI training is fair use, but Sony says Udio's licensing deals with UMG, Warner and other rightsholders show a real market for training-data licenses and undercut that defense.
Sony is now the only major label still suing Udio after UMG and Warner settled, making the case a key test of how US courts treat copyrighted music in AI training.
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.