Universal Music to launch subscription-based collaboration with Udio.
Photo credit: UMG – Website
Universal Music Group (UMG) has settled a copyright infringement lawsuit with AI music startup Udio, with both parties now joining forces to develop a new AI-driven music platform set to launch in 2026.
The agreement will see UMG and Udio co-create a subscription-based service focused on music creation, consumption, and streaming using artificial intelligence. UMG artists will be able to opt in, licensing their work for AI training and remixing, while receiving compensation both for training data usage and for AI-generated content based on licensed materials.
According to UMG, the platform will allow users to craft mashups and vocal-swapped remixes using voices from participating artists. All resulting content will remain exclusive to the service. UMG will also receive a compensatory settlement from Udio as part of the resolution.
“This moment brings to life everything we’ve been building toward–uniting AI and the music industry in a way that truly champions artists,” said Andrew Sanchez, Udio’s cofounder and CEO. UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge added: “These new agreements with Udio demonstrate our commitment to do what’s right by our artists and songwriters, whether that means embracing new technologies, developing new business models, diversifying revenue streams or beyond.”
The initial lawsuit, filed in June 2024 by UMG alongside Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), accused Udio and fellow AI music company Suno of unauthorized use of copyrighted content at massive scale. While legal proceedings continue with Sony and Warner, Udio’s data sources remain undisclosed.
More information available here.
