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Monday 23/02/2026

Warner Music and Suno Forge AI Music Partnership After Legal Settlement

Warner Music and Suno logos symbolizing partnership
Himanshu KaushikHimanshu Kaushik

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Warner Music Group has settled a lawsuit with AI music firm Suno and launched a joint venture to create AI-generated music.
  • The partnership allows users to generate music using the voices and likenesses of Warner artists who opt-in, addressing previous copyright concerns.
  • Suno will introduce new licensed models in 2026, requiring users to pay for audio downloads, while free-tier songs can still be played and shared.
  • The deal marks a significant shift in the music industry, with Warner aiming to expand revenue and fan experiences through AI technology.
  • The settlement follows a broader industry trend, with major labels like Universal and Sony also engaging in legal battles over AI-generated content.

Warner Music Group (WMG) has reached a landmark settlement with artificial intelligence music start-up Suno, paving the way for a new joint venture in AI-generated music. This agreement comes a year after Warner, alongside other major music labels, sued Suno for copyright infringement, accusing the firm of producing AI-generated tracks indistinguishable from those by real artists.

A New Era in AI Music Creation

Under the terms of the settlement, Warner will allow users to create AI-generated music on Suno's platform using the voices, names, and likenesses of Warner artists who choose to participate. This move aims to address previous concerns about copyright infringement while opening new avenues for music creation. Warner, home to artists like Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and Ed Sheeran, is the first major label to officially partner with Suno, marking a significant shift in the music industry’s approach to AI technology.

Innovative Models and Licensing

Suno, often likened to the ChatGPT of music, will roll out new advanced and licensed models in 2026. These models will require users to pay for audio downloads, although songs on the free tier can still be played and shared. Warner's CEO, Robert Kyncl, emphasized that the partnership demonstrates AI's potential to be "pro-artist" when properly licensed, reflecting the value of music and benefiting the creative community.

Industry-Wide Implications

The settlement with Suno is part of a broader trend in the music industry, with major labels like Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment also engaging in legal battles over AI-generated content. Universal recently settled with Suno's rival, Udio, while Sony continues its litigation against both companies. The legal actions highlight the industry's efforts to protect artist rights and adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI music generation.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The partnership between Warner Music and Suno could set a precedent for how the music industry navigates the integration of AI technology. By allowing artists to opt-in and control the use of their likenesses, Warner is addressing key concerns about artist rights and copyright infringement. This approach may encourage other labels to explore similar collaborations, potentially leading to a more regulated and artist-friendly AI music ecosystem.

As Suno prepares to launch its new models in 2026, the music industry will be watching closely to see how these changes impact revenue streams and fan engagement. The success of this venture could influence future licensing agreements and shape the role of AI in music creation. However, ongoing litigation with other AI firms suggests that the industry is still grappling with the challenges posed by generative AI, and further legal developments are likely.