Germany's music rights organization GEMA has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against AI music platform Suno in the Munich Regional Court. This action follows GEMA's previous lawsuit against OpenAI and the release of their "AI Charter" for generative AI licensing.

The lawsuit alleges Suno used GEMA-represented works for AI training without compensation. Specifically, GEMA claims Suno's platform generates "confusingly similar" content to original songs, including well-known tracks like Alphaville's "Forever Young" and Lou Bega's "Mambo No. 5."

Key points of the lawsuit:

• GEMA documented outputs that allegedly infringe copyrights through melody, harmony, and rhythm
• The organization seeks appropriate compensation for creators whose works are used in AI training
• GEMA's proposed licensing framework would share AI system revenue with rightsholders

GEMA supervisory board chairman Ralf Weigand warns that without proper legal framework, creative professionals may soon be unable to earn a living from their work.

This legal action parallels similar developments in the United States, where:

• Major labels have sued both Suno and Udio for copyright infringement
• Suno has retained Latham & Watkins (also representing OpenAI and Anthropic)
• The company maintains a fair use defense for AI training

The case remains active, with a recent confidentiality order approved for discovery materials. Cambridge-based Suno, which partnered with Timbaland in October 2024 and launched an Android app, has not yet provided an official response to the lawsuit.

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