Technology news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Billboard’s 2026 Top Music Lawyers Revealed
Billboard has published its 2026 Top Music Lawyers list, recognising attorneys who negotiate recording deals, tours and catalogue sales for major artists and companies. The list arrives as generative AI dominates legal debate in the music industry, with lawyers playing a central role in disputes over whether AI firms have unlawfully used copyrighted songs to train their models.
Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group each sued AI companies Suno and Udio roughly two years ago, alleging unlicensed use of their catalogues. Warner has since settled both cases via licensing deals, and Universal has settled with Udio, while Sony continues litigation against both firms and Universal still pursues its case against Suno. Amid this, the National Music Publishers' Association recently struck licensing agreements with Udio and AI company KLAY, though a coalition of artists and songwriters issued a letter in late June warning against deals that strip creators of control over how AI uses their work.
In short
- Billboard names its 2026 Top Music Lawyers, spotlighting AI-driven legal disputes.
- Major labels' AI lawsuits against Suno and Udio yield mixed settlements.
- Artists warn labels against AI licensing deals that curb creator rights.
Explained simply
Music lawyers handle some of the most valuable deals in the entertainment industry. They negotiate recording contracts, live tour agreements and the sale of song catalogues—the libraries of music that generate millions in royalties over decades.
The legal profession has become particularly prominent in the music industry because of disputes over artificial intelligence. Three major record labels—Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group—have sued AI companies Suno and Udio, claiming they used copyrighted songs to train their systems without permission. This has sparked a broader debate about whether AI should be allowed to learn from existing music and how creators should be compensated.
The outcomes of these lawsuits have been mixed so far, with Warner Music reaching settlements with both AI companies whilst Universal settled with Udio and continues pursuing Suno. Licensing agreements have also been struck between industry groups and some AI companies, though artists and songwriters have expressed concern about whether these deals adequately protect creator rights.
AI Celebrity Entertainment Music Technology