Udio × Kobalt Music Group
Independent music publisher Kobalt entered a strategic partnership with AI music platform Udio to license its catalog for AI training. [26, 28] The deal allows Kobalt's songwriters and artists to opt-in to have their work used in Udio's new licensed service, creating a pathway for new revenue streams. [26] This agreement followed similar deals Udio made with major labels and the independent agency Merlin, signaling a broader industry shift from litigation to licensing. [28]
The asset
A strategic partnership to license authorized music from Kobalt's catalog for training Udio's forthcoming licensed AI music creation platform, with an opt-in mechanism for songwriters and artists. [26, 28]
The record
- Seller status
- Going concern
- Sector
- music publishing
- Modalities
- music
What it means if you hold data
This deal further solidifies the trend of AI developers seeking licensed, rights-cleared data directly from publishers, moving away from legally contested 'fair use' arguments. For music publishers, it establishes a model for monetizing their catalogs as AI training assets while giving creators control via opt-in clauses. [27, 28]
Sources
- newindustryfocus.com — https://newindustryfocus.com/articles/udio-signs-licensing-agreement-with-kobalt
- musicweek.com — https://www.musicweek.com/publishing/read/kobalt-is-the-latest-music-company-to-sign-an-ai-deal-with-udio/093897
- jackrighteous.com — https://jackrighteous.com/fr/blogs/mont-real/udio-kobalt-ai-music-industry-2026?_pos=837&_sid=1a8f9feb3&_ss=r