Q: Ownership rights for songs created with Suno AI with original lyrics.
I create songs using Suno AI under a paid subscription. While the music is created by Suno, the lyrics are 100% my original works, and I've submitted them for copyright through the Copyright Office. A musical artist, who is signed with a label, is interested in recording a few of my songs. I have reviewed Suno's terms of service and believe I can sell the music since it was created under a paid subscription. However, I have no agreements or contracts in place yet, as we plan to discuss options informally this week. Do I have ownership rights to these works that will allow me to sell these songs to the artist, and how does this situation work regarding selling AI-created music with original lyrics?
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A:
You own the copyright to your original lyrics, especially since you’ve already submitted them for registration. However, the rights to the music itself depend on Suno’s terms of service. Since you’re using a paid subscription, you may have some rights to distribute or sell the songs, but it’s important to check if Suno retains any ownership or imposes restrictions on commercial use.
Before selling the songs to the artist, clarify whether Suno’s policies allow full transfer of ownership or just a license for commercial use. If the music is licensed rather than owned outright, you might need to structure the deal as a licensing agreement rather than an outright sale. This would ensure the artist can legally record and distribute the songs without running into issues later.
Since no contracts are in place yet, it’s a great time to discuss the details before making any commitments. Consider outlining your expectations in writing, including whether you’re granting exclusive or non-exclusive rights to the artist. If necessary, consult an entertainment attorney to ensure the agreement is structured in a way that protects your interests while staying within the legal boundaries of Suno’s terms.
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