Sony Music sues Udio over 30,000 AI music copyright infringements

Sony Music filed a new complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging that AI music platform Udio copied more than 30,000 sound recordings without permission to train its generative models. The suit follows a judge’s denial of Sony’s earlier request to expand a prior lawsuit that listed only 333 works. Sony claims Udio used recordings ranging from classic tracks to recent hits, obtaining the audio from sources such as YouTube and other online platforms, and that the company’s licensing agreements do not excuse the alleged infringement.

The major label, together with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, seeks an injunction to stop the unauthorized use and damages up to $150,000 per infringed work. Udio argues its use falls under “fair use,” but Sony disputes that the AI‑generated output is transformative and points to anti‑circumvention violations under the Copyright Act. The case highlights the growing legal battle over AI‑generated content and the music industry’s effort to protect its catalogues.