Kobalt partners AI music platform Udio on new licensed creation tools

The agreement comes weeks after Kobalt’s sale to Primary Wave and follows Udio’s recent licensing deals with Merlin Network, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. The platform does not currently have a deal with Sony Music Entertainment, which remains in litigation with the company.

The partnership will contribute to Udio’s licensed AI music creation service, which is expected to launch later this year. According to the companies, the new platform will operate separately from Udio’s existing product and will introduce tools allowing users to generate music using licensed compositions and, where applicable, artist-approved vocal models.

The companies said the subscription-based service is expected to support the creation of remixes, covers and original songs, subject to participation from rights holders.

Key commercial terms, including how participating artists and songwriters will be compensated, have not been disclosed. The companies also said the service will include safeguards intended to protect rights holders, without providing further detail.

Statements from both companies

Kobalt chief executive Laurent Hubert said the partnership reflects the company’s approach to emerging technologies in music.

“Our clients and songwriters rely on us to both protect them and to create new opportunities for their works in an ever-changing technology landscape. We look forward to working closely with Udio to develop these new possibilities and are excited for what this deal could mean for the thousands of songwriters, artists, producers and publishers we work with every day,” he said.

Udio co-founder and chief executive Andrew Sanchez said the company’s focus remains on ensuring fair treatment of rights holders.

“We’re excited to partner with Kobalt and welcome its exceptional community of songwriters, artists, and creatives to Udio. Our focus is on expanding creative possibilities through AI, while ensuring artists’ rights are respected and fairly compensated every step of the way,” Sanchez said.

Despite securing multiple licensing agreements, Udio remains involved in legal disputes in the United States, including ongoing copyright litigation with Sony Music and a separate class action involving artists and rights holders.

In recent court filings, Udio has argued that certain claims should be dismissed based on precedent from the US Supreme Court’s Cox v. Sony Music decision. Plaintiffs in the class action have rejected that interpretation, arguing that the ruling does not apply to allegations involving direct copyright infringement by the platform.