AI Music Maker Faces Down German Royalties Giant in Landmark EU Court Battle

The First Big AI Music Case in the EU Is About to Start: What's at Stake In a landmark case that could shape the future of music production and consumption, German performing rights organization (PRO) GEMA is taking on an artificial intelligence (AI) startup in a Munich court. The lawsuit, which begins Monday (Sept. 29), marks the first major test of EU law on AI and music. GEMA, which represents thousands of songwriters and publishers, claims that Suno, an AI-powered music platform, has been using its members' works without permission or compensation. "We're not just fighting for our rights as creators," said GEMA's CEO, Stefan Raab. "We're fighting for the future of music itself." The case centers on the use of copyrighted material in AI training data. Suno's algorithm uses vast amounts of existing music to learn and generate new compositions. GEMA argues that this constitutes a breach of copyright law, while Suno maintains that its use is fair. "This is not just about us versus them," said Suno co-founder, Alex Stolze. "It's about the future of creativity and innovation in the music industry." The EU does not have a "fair use" doctrine like the US, which could potentially shield AI startups from copyright infringement claims. The outcome of this case will set a precedent for the entire continent. Background on the issue is complex. As AI-generated music gains popularity, rights holders are grappling with how to license their work for training data. Industry insiders predict that some form of licensing will be necessary, but the specifics remain unclear. "The development of AI licenses is an inevitability," said Robert Levine, a music industry expert who has written extensively on the topic. "But it's not just about the money – it's about ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their work." The GEMA vs Suno case is one of two major lawsuits currently underway in Europe related to AI and music. The other involves major labels suing Udio, another AI startup. As the court battle begins, industry observers will be watching closely for signs of how the EU's copyright laws might evolve. Will this case pave the way for a new era of AI-generated music, or will it limit its potential? Current Status: The trial is set to begin on Monday (Sept. 29) in Munich. A verdict is expected within weeks. Next Developments: As the case unfolds, we'll be providing updates and analysis on the implications for the music industry and beyond. Stay tuned for more on this developing story. *Reporting by Billboard.*