Universal Music Group says it has made “industry-first strategic agreements” to “settle copyright infringement litigation” with AI startup Udio and license music for a new AI-powered music platform. The move is one of several anticipated licensing deals expected to land in the next few weeks as the sector grapples with how to handle AI.

The deal includes some form of compensation and “will provide further revenue opportunities for UMG artists and songwriters,” Universal says. Udio, the company behind “BBL Drizzy,” will launch the platform as a subscription service next year. Universal, alongside other industry giants Sony and Warner, sued Udio and another startup Suno for “en masse” copyright infringement last year.

Universal — whose roster includes some of the world’s biggest performers

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