Here’s Every Company Fighting Subpoenas in Suno’s Legal Fight With Universal and Sony Music
Universal Music Group and Sony Music’s copyright case against AI music company Suno has prompted disputes over subpoenas to companies outside the lawsuit. The evidence could help the court decide whether Suno’s use of millions of unlicensed tracks to train its service qualifies as fair use, including whether AI-generated music competes with the original works.
Apple Music says it provided data on Suno-generated tracks and its methods for detecting and tagging AI music, but is asking a judge to block Suno from questioning an Apple representative. Suno is seeking streaming-market data from the Mechanical Licensing Collective, while the labels want DistroKid to disclose monthly figures on AI tracks, streams and royalties; DistroKid has refused. The labels are also pursuing evidence from Suno investors Lightspeed Venture Partners and Bond Capital Management. Discovery is expected to continue until mid-2027; Warner Music settled with Suno last year.
In short
- Apple Music is challenging Suno’s request to depose a representative.
- Disputes cover AI music data from MLC and DistroKid.
- Lightspeed and Bond are also contesting evidence demands.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The labels and other parties seeking evidence can argue that detailed data on AI-generated tracks, streams and royalties is needed to assess whether Suno’s service competes with licensed music and harms rights holders. In a case about the use of millions of unlicensed recordings, subpoenas to relevant platforms, distributors and investors may help establish the facts and test Suno’s fair-use defence.
The case against
Suno and the companies resisting subpoenas can argue that broad demands for commercial data or questioning of company representatives may impose substantial costs and expose sensitive information, especially on firms that are not parties to the case. Discovery should be limited to evidence that is directly relevant and proportionate, rather than becoming an expansive inquiry into the wider music business.
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