Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against distributor DistroKid, alleging deceptive trade practices and widespread unauthorized use of its catalog.
DistroKid says it handles roughly 40% of all new music in the world. UMG’s complaint states that the distributor has engaged in both deceptive trade practices and blatant copyright infringement.
The central claim involves AI-generated music. UMG says distributing properly labeled AI music is not problematic, but the suit targets AI-generated tracks that are “masquerading” as human-made.
Infringing recordings and platform impact
The lawsuit names 1,000 specific recordings distributed by DistroKid that used UMG-owned music without permission. UMG describes that figure as “the tip of the iceberg.”
“DistroKid is flooding platforms with AI-generated ‘slop’ that siphons revenue and listeners from the legitimate artists and rightsholders. DistroKid likewise proliferates infringing tracks across platforms, and continues that distribution even when it knows the tracks infringe [Universal and other rightsholders’] rights.”
UMG also said DistroKid benefits from bad-actor conduct because it supports growth and market valuation, while the effects are felt by artists, consumers, and rightsholders.
“In reality, DistroKid embraces all of this bad-actor conduct; doing so benefits its growth and corresponding market valuation. The ramifications are felt by legitimate players in the music industry, including artists, consumers, and Plaintiffs.”
