Story perspectives

Munich Court Finds Suno AI Infringed Copyright, Halts Six Songs

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Munich Regional Court ruled on July 31 2026 that Suno AI infringed German and U.S. copyright law by training on GEMA-represented works.
The court ordered Suno to cease reproducing six songs—“Forever Young,” “Big in Japan,” “Daddy Cool,” “Rasputin,” “Mambo No. 5,” and “Atemlos”—and to stop using them for AI training.
Suno must disclose related revenue and will face unquantified damages.
Suno disputes the ruling, says its technology creates new songs, and is evaluating an appeal.

History

Historical Context

In 2001, U.S. courts ordered Napster to cease peer-to-peer music sharing after the RIAA and 18 record companies proved contributory infringement, forcing the service’s shutdown in July 2001. The 2026 Munich Regional Court similarly barred AI startup Suno AI from training on GEMA-registered songs, applying the same copyright principle to emerging digital media.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Munich Regional Court ruled on July 31 2026 that Suno AI infringed German and U.S. copyright law by training on GEMA-represented works.
The court ordered Suno to cease reproducing six songs—“Forever Young,” “Big in Japan,” “Daddy Cool,” “Rasputin,” “Mambo No. 5,” and “Atemlos”—and to stop using them for AI training.
Suno must disclose related revenue and will face unquantified damages.
Suno disputes the ruling, says its technology creates new songs, and is evaluating an appeal.

1 / 2