Independent Artist Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Suno and Udio Over Unlicensed AI Training

A class action lawsuit has been filed against the controversial AI music platforms Udio and Suno, Music Business Worldwide reports.

Independent artist and label owner Anthony Justice has taken legal action, alleging that the companies trained their generative music models using copyrighted material without permission. Justice's complaint, which follows an explosive lawsuit filed against Suno and Udio by major labels and the RIAA, aims to represent a broad group of US-based indie artists whose recordings may have been used without compensation or consent.

Unlike the labels' lawsuit, this filing focuses on artists who operate independently and do not have access to the backing of industry giants. Justice argues that these creators are especially vulnerable, since much of their music is widely available online and less likely to be protected by licensing deals.

“Rather than simply license these copyrighted songs like every other tech-based business does, Suno/Udio elected to simply steal the songs," the court filings read.

The suit also references a recent report from the U.S. Copyright Office, which questions whether fair use protections apply to AI training on expressive works such as music. Together with his label, 5th Wheel Records, Justice argues that using copyrighted recordings to develop competing works in the same commercial space is not legally defensible and constitutes direct infringement.

The class action seeks to include all independent recording artists in the United States whose songs have appeared on streaming platforms since January 1st, 2021. It arrives at a moment when Udio and Suno are reportedly engaging in licensing discussions with the major labels, negotiations of which could ultimately exclude independent creators entirely. Justice’s filing challenges that possibility by calling for a broader, more inclusive legal remedy.

Representatives for Udio and Suno have previously stated that their models are designed to generate original content and not replicate existing songs. They have also claimed to implement filters to prevent copying of protected material. However, critics remain skeptical of these assurances, especially in light of growing legal scrutiny.

The suit against Suno was filed in Massachusetts while the case against Udio was filed in New York.