German Court Rules Against Suno in GEMA Copyright Lawsuit
The Munich Regional Court (Landgericht München I) ruled on 31 July 2026 that the U.S. AI‑music platform Suno infringed German copyright law by using works from the performing‑rights society GEMA to train its generative models without a licence. The judgment holds Suno liable for unauthorised copying of at least six well‑known songs – including “Atemlos”, “Mambo No. 5”, “Forever Young”, “Daddy Cool”, “Big in Japan” and “Rasputin” – and orders the company to disclose revenues linked to the infringement so damages can be calculated.
GEMA hailed the decision as a “important signal for strengthening the rights of creatives in the digital music market”, with CEO Tobias Holzmüller stating that AI models based on stolen works receive no legal protection. The ruling also obliges AI providers to obtain licences for both model training and the commercial use of generated music. Suno’s spokesperson rejected the court’s reasoning, saying the technology was mischaracterised and that the company is evaluating an appeal. Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) welcomed the verdict, calling it a crucial step toward a fair digital market for creators.
The case marks one of the first major European judgments on AI‑driven music generation and is expected to shape licensing practices for AI developers across the continent.
Entities: GEMA · Kai Welp · Landgericht München I · SPD · Suno · Suno Inc. · Tobias Holzmüller · Wolfram Weimer
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The case involved alleged use of German songs such as “Atemlos durch die Nacht,” “Rasputin,” and “Mambo No. 5.” (court evidence)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ruling is not yet final and not legally binding. (court status)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The court granted GEMA a claim for damages, though the amount has not yet been set. (court ruling)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] SPD welcomed the ruling as an important signal for creatives and a fair digital market. (SPD politicians)
- [● 4 SOURCES] A regional court in Munich ruled that Suno violated copyrights by using music covered by GEMA without permission. (court ruling)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ruling was described as strengthening Europe as a cultural hub. (GEMA CEO quote)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Suno said it will evaluate all available options, including an appeal. (company statement)
- [● 2 SOURCES] GEMA stated that AI models based on unlicensed use of protected works have no legal protection and must obtain licences. (GEMA spokesperson)