Suno licenses BMG recordings for new AI music models
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Suno has agreed a licensing deal with music company BMG, allowing it to use BMG recordings in forthcoming AI music models and retrospectively covering their use in earlier training. The agreement gives Suno further legitimacy within the music industry as it seeks to move from disputed training practices towards licensed, label-backed AI tools.
Suno will pay for access to BMG’s catalogue, with BMG joining Warner Music Group as a company to settle with the AI music generator. BMG said the deal includes artist protections, choice and revenue arrangements, while Suno continues to face copyright litigation from Universal Music Group and Sony Music; it has also introduced watermarks and download caps to address misuse of AI-generated songs.
- Suno licenses BMG recordings for AI music training.
- Deal retrospectively covers earlier model training.
- Other copyright lawsuits against Suno continue.
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Suno is a company that lets people make songs using artificial intelligence. Users can type in a description, such as a style or mood, and the system produces music and vocals that resemble a finished track.
The company has faced claims from record labels that its earlier AI systems were trained on copyrighted recordings without permission. Music companies argue that recorded songs are protected works, while AI developers have sought agreements that allow them to use such material legally.
BMG is one of the world’s large music companies, representing recording artists and music publishing rights. Licensing deals can give AI firms access to music for training while setting terms on payment, artist participation and how generated tracks may be used.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that licensing BMG recordings is a pragmatic way to bring generative music into a lawful, compensated relationship with the industry. Retrospective payment, artist choice and technical safeguards can recognise rightsholders’ interests while allowing developers to build tools that may expand creative experimentation and new revenue opportunities. They contend that negotiated agreements are preferable to prolonged litigation and can establish clearer standards for the wider market.
The case against
Critics argue that a deal with one major company does not resolve the wider concern that AI systems may have been built using recordings without the informed consent of all affected artists and labels. They worry that individual creators may have limited bargaining power, that compensation may not reflect the value extracted from their work, and that generated music could compete with human musicians. From this perspective, stronger consent, transparency and enforceable protections should precede—not merely accompany—the commercial deployment of such models.
More coverage
- Billboard — BMG and Suno Reach Licensing Deal for AI Music Model
- Music Business Worldwide — Suno inks global licensing deal with BMG, ahead of launching new music model
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Originally published by Variety as “AI Music Generator Suno Strikes Licensing Deal With BMG as It Preps New Label-Backed Models”.