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Copyright Ownership Guidelines

Understanding copyright ownership when creating music with Suno is crucial for both personal use and commercial distribution. This section outlines the guidelines for ownership, usage, and distribution of songs created using the Suno platform.

Ownership Based on Subscription Tier​

The ownership of songs created with Suno is primarily determined by your subscription tier at the time of creation:

  • Basic (Free) Tier: Suno retains ownership of songs generated under the Basic plan. Users are granted a non-commercial license, allowing personal use such as listening, downloading, and sharing with friends. However, these songs cannot be monetized.
  • Pro or Premier Tier: If you create music while subscribed to a Pro or Premier plan, you own the songs and are granted a commercial use license. This license remains even after you cancel your subscription, allowing you to distribute and monetize your creations.

Commercial vs. Non-Commercial Use​

Understanding the distinction between commercial and non-commercial use is essential:

  • Commercial Use includes distributing your music on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, using songs in monetized YouTube content, selling your songs directly, and sync licensing for TV, film, or video games.
  • Non-Commercial Use includes listening to songs on Suno, downloading them for personal use, sharing them with friends, and using them on non-monetized platforms.

It is important to note that upgrading to a paid subscription does not grant retroactive commercial use rights for songs created under the Basic (free) plan.

Copyright laws are complex and vary by region, particularly concerning AI-generated content. In many regions, copyright protection is typically granted to works created by humans. Music made entirely with AI may not qualify for copyright protection because a human did not write the lyrics or the music. However, if you write original lyrics, you own those lyrics, regardless of your subscription tier. You might be able to register these lyrics separately and potentially use them to register your entire song, depending on your region's regulations.

Using the Reuse Prompt Feature​

Suno's Reuse Prompt feature allows you to capture the vibe of existing songs. When using this feature, be aware of the following:

  • If the original song includes lyrics written by another artist, you must obtain permission to use those lyrics.
  • It is strongly advised to change the lyrics when using this feature with someone else's work to avoid potential copyright issues.

Lyrics and Ownership​

  • If you write the lyrics for a song, you own those lyrics, regardless of your subscription plan.
  • If someone else wrote lyrics for your song, they own those lyrics, and you must obtain permission to use them. You own the song as a complete work, but you need the rights to use the lyrics.

Extensions and Ownership​

When extending an existing song:

  • If you made the original work, the ownership rules based on your subscription tier apply.
  • If you did not make the original work, you should not assume ownership, especially if the original work contains lyrics or uploaded audio from another creator.

Distributing Your Music​

When distributing music created with Suno, keep the following in mind:

  • Commercial Use Licensing: If you made your songs while subscribed to a Pro or Premier plan, you have a commercial use license that allows distribution on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
  • 100% Ownership: You must be the owner of 100% of the material when monetizing your songs. Avoid using lyrics or content without permission, as this can lead to issues with distributors.
  • Platform Terms: Be aware of the terms and conditions of distribution platforms like Tunecore and Distrokid. Some platforms may have strict policies regarding AI-generated content and sampling.
  • Proof of Ownership: Keep copies of your invoices as proof of ownership, especially if a distributor requests more information.

If your AI-generated music faces copyright claims:

  • Provide proof of your Pro or Premier subscription status on Suno.
  • Show the terms of use or licensing agreements from Suno to clarify your rights.
  • Demonstrate the connection between your Suno account and your distributor or streaming platform account.

Be prepared to dispute false positives, which are common with AI-generated content.

Due to the evolving nature of copyright laws regarding AI-generated content, it is recommended to consult a qualified attorney in your region specializing in music business for the most up-to-date information.