Apple has filed a motion to quash a subpoena from Suno in the lawsuit between Suno and Universal Music Group. Apple Music is the latest company to receive a subpoena in the escalating case.
Apple Calls the Requests Overbroad
Apple argues the subpoena is unnecessary and goes well beyond what Suno reasonably needs in the case. Suno maintains that the information it is seeking is critical to its defense.
In its filing, Apple describes Suno’s discovery demands as irrelevant, overbroad and burdensome. It says it has already met its obligations by producing relevant data and declarations about Suno-generated tracks on its platform. That material was provided as evidence for the analysis of whether Suno’s “fair-use” claim would cause significant market harm.
Apple also says Suno’s remaining requests seek highly confidential, competitive business information that is disproportionate to the case. It adds that any other information Suno needs can be obtained directly from the active parties to the lawsuit, rather than from a major digital service provider.
Over a Year of Cooperation
Apple says it has worked with both parties on the scope of non-party discovery. Court documents state:
“Apple has cooperated with both parties for more than a year, exchanging over 90 emails and having over 10 conferrals, to negotiate a reasonable scope of non-party discovery and to provide the relevant subset. And Apple has complied.”
Hearing Set for December 1
Apple’s motion to quash, or alternatively to obtain a protective order shielding the information, is on the docket for December 1. Judge Susan Van Keulen recused herself from the case on October 21, so the motion will be heard by whichever judge is assigned to the proceeding.
