Industry Sep 23, 2026
Universal and Warner Assert Clarity in AI Deal Clause Amidst AFM Lawsuit
In June the American Federation Of Musicians sued Universal and Warner over their AI deals, insisting the majors should be sharing their AI money with the union’s members under its Sound Recording Lab
Originally published by
Complete Music Update
Universal and Warner have presented arguments to a judge asserting that the 'new use' clause within their agreement with the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) is unequivocal and does not extend to their agreements concerning artificial intelligence. The AFM initiated a lawsuit in June, alleging that the music majors should be sharing AI-generated revenue with union members, as stipulated by the Sound Recording Labor Agreement. Both parties have submitted recent court filings as the record labels seek to have the case dismissed.