AI music platforms Suno and Udio have responded to copyright infringement lawsuits from major record labels, defending their use of copyrighted recordings for AI training purposes.

Key points from their defense:

• Both companies acknowledge using copyrighted recordings for AI training
• They argue this use qualifies as fair use under copyright law
• The companies claim their output creates new works rather than direct copies
• They maintain that copyright law permits soundalike recordings that don't contain actual snippets of original works

Their defense rests on two main arguments:

1. Training Process:

• Copying protected works for backend technological processes is fair use
• The training process analyzes basic musical building blocks
• The public cannot access the copied recordings

2. AI Outputs:

• Generated music may share characteristics with existing works but doesn't directly copy them
• No actual snippets of original recordings are used
• Copyright law allows for similar-sounding new creations

The companies also argue that major labels are resistant to innovation and competition, citing historical patterns of opposing new technologies that were later accepted.

The RIAA responded by:

• Highlighting the companies' admission of using copyrighted recordings
• Arguing against fair use claims
• Stating the companies could have obtained proper licenses
• Comparing the case to the recent Warhol Foundation Supreme Court decision

The legal proceedings are expected to continue well into 2025, with both sides prepared for a lengthy battle over AI's role in music creation.

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