Warner Music seeks dismissal of AFM AI licensing lawsuit

Warner Music Group (WMG) has asked a federal court in New York to dismiss the American Federation of Musicians' (AFM) breach‑of‑contract lawsuit over licensing agreements with AI‑driven platforms Suno and Udio. Warner argues that the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) signed in early 2023 does not cover AI licenses, that Warner Music Group Corp. is not a signatory to the SRLA, does not own copyrights, and was not a plaintiff in the copyright suits against Suno and Udio. The label contends the AFM’s action is an improper attempt to influence ongoing negotiations for a new SRLA that will address AI use.

Warner has requested a pre‑motion conference and a stay of discovery, citing the sensitivity of ongoing AI‑licensing negotiations. The AFM maintains that its members are entitled to a share of revenue generated from AI‑trained recordings, invoking Article 21 of the SRLA as a basis for compensation. The UK Musicians' Union has expressed support for the AFM, describing the case as part of a global push for AI‑related compensation for musicians.