Indie Artists Sue Google Over Alleged AI Copyright Theft

Coalition claims tech giant stripped copyrights and distributed stolen works through AI music models

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A group of independent musicians has filed a major lawsuit against Google, alleging the tech giant has systematically copied and distributed their copyrighted works through its AI music generation products like Lyria 3 and ProducerAI. The lawsuit claims Google has stripped the copyright management information from the original works, passed them off as new creations, and monetized the stolen content through platforms like YouTube.

Why it matters

This lawsuit represents a significant challenge to Google's business model around AI-generated music, which the plaintiffs allege is built on the widespread theft and distribution of independent artists' copyrighted works. The case could have broad implications for the use of copyrighted material in AI systems and set important precedents around the rights of creators.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Google operates a 'vertically integrated syndicate' that copies millions of copyrighted works, strips them of their copyright information, and then incorporates them into AI-generated music that Google distributes and monetizes. The plaintiffs claim Google is aware of the copyright issues but has not obtained proper licensing or consent from the artists.

  • The lawsuit was filed on March 9, 2026.

The players

Indie Artist Coalition

A group of independent musicians from across the United States who have filed the lawsuit against Google.

Google

The tech giant that the Indie Artist Coalition is suing over alleged widespread theft and distribution of copyrighted material through its AI music generation products.

Ross Kimbarovsky

The attorney representing the Indie Artist Coalition in the lawsuit against Google.

Sam Kogon

A New York singer-songwriter who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Google.

Michael Mell

An Atlanta-based songwriter and producer who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Google.

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What they’re saying

“Google owns the platform where independent musicians distribute their music. Google runs the system that identifies who owns it. And then Google used both to train a product that competes with the very artists who trusted it with their work.”

— Ross Kimbarovsky, Attorney, Loevy + Loevy

“Independent musicians write the songs, record the vocals, and build careers around their music. Google copied the work of millions of them, stripped off their names, and launched a competing product to 750 million people. That is not innovation. It is theft at scale.”

— Ross Kimbarovsky, Attorney, Loevy + Loevy

“Google licenses music every day for YouTube, for commercials, for film. It knows how licensing works. If Google wanted to use a song in an ad, it would need a license. If it wanted to use a song in a movie, it would need a license. But Google copied millions of songs to build a commercial music generator and decided the rules didn't apply to them. We're here to remind them that they do.”

— Ross Kimbarovsky, Attorney, Loevy + Loevy

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks a federal jury to rule on damages related to 16 violations of the artists' rights under both federal and state law, including copyright infringement, fraud and deceptive practices, illegal distribution, false endorsement, and false advertising.

The takeaway

This case represents a major challenge to Google's business model around AI-generated music, which the plaintiffs allege is built on the widespread theft and distribution of independent artists' copyrighted works. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the use of copyrighted material in AI systems and the rights of creators in the digital age.