Suno-MLC subpoena schedule set: MLC response due November 2, Suno reply by November 16 in labels' music-AI case

On 30 October 2026, Digital Music News reported that the parties in Suno's subpoena dispute with the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) have disclosed an agreed, fast-moving briefing schedule: the MLC has until Monday, 2 November 2026 to formally oppose Suno's motion to compel, and Suno then has two weeks, until 16 November 2026, to file its reply in support of the motion.

The motion seeks to compel the MLC to turn over label-specific stream-volume data dating back to 2021. Suno argues that data is relevant to its central fair use and copyright misuse defences in the infringement battle with Universal Music Group and Sony Music — specifically, whether the plaintiff labels suffered actual market harm from AI audio on streaming services, or whether their licensing terms (including minimum-payment provisions) insulated them from negative effects, and whether they used their catalogue sway to block or steer users away from lower-cost AI content.

What this establishes: a concrete, agreed briefing schedule (2 November / 16 November) for evidence Suno says goes to market harm, a core fair-use factor, in the labels' music-AI training case.

What it does not establish: the presiding judge had not yet approved the proposed timetable at the time of reporting, and no MLC response had yet appeared on the docket. No court has ruled on fair use, no streaming data has been produced under this motion, and the underlying infringement allegations remain unproven. This is a procedural step in the same UMG/Sony v. Suno case, distinct from the earlier motion-to-compel filing itself; the new facts are the agreed dates.