Warner Music has settled a copyright lawsuit with Udio, inking a deal for the AI ​​music platform

Warner Music Group (WMG) has settled a copyright infringement case with its AI music startup ShareLabel Announce Wednesday. The two have also struck a licensing deal for an AI music creation service that is scheduled to launch in 2026.

The “next-generation platform for music creation, listening and discovery” will be powered by generative AI models trained on licensed and authorized music, WMG said in its press release.

The company says the platform will create “new sources of income for artists and songwriters, while ensuring their work remains protected.”

The subscription service will allow users to create remixes, covers and new songs using the sounds of artists and compositions of songwriters who choose to participate. Warner Music Group says the platform will ensure artists and songwriters receive credit and compensation.

“We are unwaveringly committed to protecting the rights of our artists and songwriters, and Udio has taken meaningful steps to ensure the music on its service is authorized and licensed,” WMG CEO Robert Kinkel said in the press release. “This collaboration aligns with our broader efforts to responsibly unlock the potential of AI – fueling new creative and business possibilities while continuing to deliver innovative experiences to audiences.”

Artists signed to WMG include Lady Gaga, Coldplay, The Weeknd, Sabrina Carpenter, and more.

“This partnership is a critical step toward realizing a future where technology amplifies creativity and opens up new opportunities for artists and songwriters,” Andrew Sanchez, co-founder and CEO of Udio, said in the press release. “Our new platform will enable experiences where fans can create alongside their favorite artists and create extraordinary music in an environment that provides artists with control and connection.”

The settlement represents a major shift in the music industry’s approach to artificial intelligence. Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment sued Udio and rival AI music platform Suno last year for copyright infringement. Both platforms allow users to create songs using AI-powered text prompts. Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment They are reportedly in talks to license their work For Audio and Sono.

Referring to investors’ confidence in AI-powered music technology, Sono said Announce Earlier on Wednesday he raised a $250 million Series C round At a post-cash valuation of $2.45 billion. The round was led by Menlo Ventures, with participation from Nvidia’s investment arm, NVitures, as well as Hallwood Media, Lightspeed, and Matrix.