Independent music licensing group Merlin has partnered with artificial intelligence music platform Udio to license recordings for training AI models.<\/p>\n
The partnership follows settlements Udio reached<\/a> with Universal Music Group<\/b> in October and Warner Music Group<\/b> in November.<\/p>\n Both major music companies had sued Udio for copyright infringement but dropped their lawsuits after reaching licensing agreements for an AI music platform Udio plans to launch this year.<\/p>\n The latest agreement with Merlin<\/b> allows Udio to develop AI systems using music from Merlin members who choose to participate, with compensation flowing back to those labels and artists, according to a press release on Tuesday (January 20).<\/p>\n The deal includes terms intended to protect what the companies called \u201cthe value of human artistry.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlie Lexton<\/b>, CEO of Merlin, said: \u201cAs AI develops, it is critical to Merlin that we work with partners who respect artists, their work, and the requirement to license music.<\/p>\n \u201cFor some time, Merlin and Udio have been engaged in conversations focussed on a foundation of consent and fair remuneration. We are excited by Udio\u2019s vision and how they clearly respect and value our members and their artists.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs AI develops, it is critical to Merlin that we work with partners who respect artists, their work, and the requirement to license music.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlie Lexton, merlin<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Lexton assumed<\/a> the CEO role at Merlin at the start of the year, succeeding Jeremy Sirota<\/b>, who stepped down<\/a> at the end of 2025 after six years at the company.<\/p>\n Merlin represents independent labels across over 70 countries that collectively account for 15% of global recorded music sales. The organization negotiates digital licensing deals on behalf of members with platforms including Spotify<\/strong><\/a>, Apple<\/strong> Music<\/strong>, Meta and<\/strong> YouTube<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Andrew Sanchez<\/b>, Co-Founder and CEO of Udio, said independent artists \u201care the driving force of this partnership\u201d.<\/p>\n Added Sanchez: <\/b>\u201cBy teaming up with Merlin, we\u2019re ensuring they maintain control over their work and are compensated for their creativity.<\/p>\n “Together, we\u2019re building a platform that gives fans and creators unmatched tools, real power and a deeper connection to the music they love. We\u2019re not just imagining the future of music creation \u2014 we\u2019re making sure independent artists are helping us lead it.”<\/p>\n The agreements mark a shift for Udio as it moves from legal battles with record companies toward commercial relationships with the music industry.<\/p>\n “We\u2019re not just imagining the future of music creation \u2014 we\u2019re making sure independent artists are helping us lead it.”<\/p>\n Andrew Sanchez<\/b>, Udio<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Recording Industry Association of America<\/b>\u00a0(RIAA), on behalf of all three major record companies,\u00a0sued Udio and rival AI platform\u00a0Suno<\/b><\/a>\u00a0for \u201cmass infringement\u201d of copyright in mid-2024.<\/p>\n Warner Music settled<\/a> its portion of the litigation with Suno in November, but UMG and Sony Music continue to pursue their cases against that company.\u00a0Denmark\u2019s\u00a0Koda<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b>and\u00a0Germany\u2019s\u00a0GEMA<\/b><\/a> are also suing Suno.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Merlin and Udio said they would collaborate on what they described as new forms of creative expression, although didn\u2019t provide details.<\/p>\n Lexton said: \u201cOur partnership illustrates that Merlin is committed to participating in shaping the opportunities AI promises, rather than simply reacting to its development.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
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