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Sony Sues AI Startup Udio, Seeks $4.5 B Over Songs

7/22/2026

37 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Sony Sues Udio

Sony Music Entertainment sued startup Udio in New York court Monday, alleging copying of 30,117 songs.
Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein denied Sony’s request to add the tracks to its 2024 suit, thereby allowing Sony to seek up to $150,000 per work, $4.5 billion.
Udio says its AI training on YouTube recordings is fair use, while Universal and Warner have settled with it and now license the technology for an AI model.

Summary

Studios Sue AI

Disney and Universal have filed lawsuits against AI firms alleging copyright infringement.
Hollywood creators have warned that AI systems are training on their copyrighted works without permission or compensation.
Lionsgate has invested equity in AI startup Runway and is collaborating on projects such as “Hunger Games.”
Proponents claim generative AI can lower production costs for visual effects and let studios test bold concepts quickly.

History

Historical Context

In June 1999 Shawn Fanning launched Napster, a centralized peer-to-peer service that quickly attracted millions of users. By July 2001 the Ninth Circuit, hearing A&M Records and other RIAA members, held Napster liable for contributory and vicarious infringement, ordering its shutdown and a $26 million settlement. That precedent now guides lawsuits by major labels against AI firms over mass use of copyrighted songs.

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Sony Sues Udio

Sony Music Entertainment sued startup Udio in New York court Monday, alleging copying of 30,117 songs.
Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein denied Sony’s request to add the tracks to its 2024 suit, thereby allowing Sony to seek up to $150,000 per work, $4.5 billion.
Udio says its AI training on YouTube recordings is fair use, while Universal and Warner have settled with it and now license the technology for an AI model.

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