BMG Signs Global Licensing Deal with AI-Music Company Suno
On August 12, BMG partnered with the AI music platform Suno in a global agreement that encompasses BMG's recorded and publishing catalog. This collaboration allows BMG artists to opt-in and resolves previous usage of BMG's works. Notably, BMG is the first significant rights holder to enter into a licensing deal with Suno since Warner Music Group's partnership nine months earlier. Meanwhile, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Group are pursuing a lawsuit against Suno in the U.S. for alleged copyright violations. BMG boasts a catalog of over 3 million songs, featuring artists like will.i.am and Tina Turner. The merger between BMG and Concord, which has received regulatory approval, is anticipated to finalize in Q4. In FY 2025, BMG reported revenues of €900 million ($1.02B) and an adjusted EBITDA of €284 million ($321M).
Key facts
- BMG and Suno announced a global licensing deal on August 12.
- The agreement covers BMG's recorded and publishing repertoire.
- BMG is the first major rightsholder to license with Suno since Warner Music Group's alliance nine months ago.
- Universal Music Group and Sony Music Group are suing Suno for copyright infringement.
- Suno plans to restrict subscriber downloads and adopt watermarking technology.
- Suno raised over $400 million in June at a $5.4 billion valuation.
- Suno lost a legal case against GEMA at the Munich Regional Court last month.
- BMG's merger with Concord is expected to close in Q4.
- BMG posted FY 2025 revenues of €900 million ($1.02B).
Entities
Artists
- Mikey Shulman
- Celine Joshua
- will.i.am
- Jean-Michel Jarre
- Tina Turner
- Jason Aldean
- Jelly Roll
- Paul Simon
Institutions
- BMG
- Suno
- Warner Music Group
- Universal Music Group
- Sony Music Group
- GEMA
- Bertelsmann
- Concord
- Music Business Worldwide
Locations
- Munich
- Germany
- United States