Warner Music Group (WMG) has reached a major settlement with artificial intelligence music start-up Suno, just a year after filing a landmark lawsuit against the company. The agreement not only resolves the legal dispute but also marks the beginning of a first-of-its-kind partnership aimed at shaping the future of AI-driven music creation.
Under the settlement, Warner will allow Suno users to generate AI-created music using the voices, names, and likenesses of artists who choose to opt into the programme. WMG, home to global stars such as Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran, joined other industry giants including Sony Music in suing Suno and fellow AI platform Udio over concerns surrounding unlicensed use of artists’ work.
AI-generated music has been a lightning rod for controversy, with many musicians warning that such technology could dilute or threaten the value of human creativity. Warner emphasized in its announcement that the partnership with Suno is designed to balance innovation with fair compensation, ensuring artists remain protected as new technologies emerge.
Beginning next year, Suno will introduce advanced licensed models to its generative AI platform, which enables users to create original music from simple text prompts. The Massachusetts-based start-up—launched just two years ago and boasting roughly 100 million users—will also update the platform ahead of its 2026 model rollout. According to Warner, the new system will require users to pay for audio downloads, though tracks created under the platform’s free tier will still be playable and shareable.
Describing the deal as a “first-of-its-kind partnership,” Warner said it will help open “new frontiers” in music-making while safeguarding the livelihoods of the creative community
