Universal Music Group files lawsuits over AI licensing and illegal streaming app

Universal Music Group (UMG) asked the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). The AFM alleges that UMG failed to compensate musicians for the use of sound recordings in generative‑AI training. UMG argues that the Sound Recording Labor Agreement between the parties does not cover the claim, seeking dismissal under Rule 12(b)(6).

Separately, Sony Music Group and UMG have launched coordinated legal action in Canada against Musi, a streaming app that pulls copyrighted recordings from YouTube without permission. The lawsuit, filed with the support of IFPI and Music Canada, alleges that Musi circumvents YouTube’s technical protections, depriving artists and right‑sholders of revenue. IFPI has called the service “parasitic” and urged app stores to take stronger action against such platforms.

Both actions reflect the music industry’s broader effort to enforce licensing agreements and protect revenue streams from emerging AI technologies and unauthorized streaming services.