The rise of generative AI in music has sparked new legal battles, with GEMA, Germany’s performance rights organisation, taking centre stage in Europe. On January 21, GEMA filed a lawsuit against AI company Suno in the Munich Regional Court, accusing it of using copyrighted songs to train its software without authorisation.

The Core Allegation

GEMA claims Suno’s AI system produces music closely resembling iconic tracks such as “Forever Young” by Alphaville, “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega, and “Daddy Cool” by Frank Farian. The organisation alleges that these outputs stem from Suno unlawfully scanning its members’ works during the training process. Tobias Holzmüller, GEMA’s CEO, stated, “Fair cooperation with AI providers requires adherence to licensing agreements and proper remuneration for creators.”

A Broader Context

This legal action is part of a growing global debate on the intersection of AI and intellectual property. While Suno is also being sued in the United States by the RIAA for using copyrighted recordings, the European case stands out for its focus on song copyrights rather than recordings.

In Europe, the regulatory framework is stricter. The EU Copyright Directive grants copyright holders the right to opt out of having their works used for AI training. It also mandates “fair remuneration” when such works are used. This case could become a benchmark for how European courts handle copyright claims in the AI space.

GEMA’s Strategic Push

GEMA’s lawsuit against Suno is one of several measures aimed at protecting creators in the age of AI. In November, it filed a separate suit against OpenAI for allegedly using song lyrics in its training datasets. GEMA’s legal actions reflect a broader strategy to address unauthorised use of intellectual property and to establish clearer rules for AI development.

Implications for the Industry

Beyond the immediate legal stakes, the Suno case highlights the challenges generative AI poses to copyright law. The outcome could influence how AI companies approach licensing and compliance in Europe, with ripple effects on the global music industry.

Kai Welp, GEMA’s general counsel, summarised the organisation’s stance: “We aim to secure fair treatment and appropriate compensation for authors. This lawsuit is one step toward achieving that goal.”

As legal frameworks struggle to keep pace with technological innovation, the Suno case could set a crucial precedent for AI’s role in creative industries.