Record Labels Subpoena Former Menlo Executive C.C. Gong

Universal and Sony Music seek testimony from the former Menlo Ventures executive regarding her public endorsement of Suno.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Music — General

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a magnetic tape reel next to a microchip, representing the collision of music copyright and AI. — Universal Music and Sony Music have subpoenaed former Menlo Ventures executive C.C. Gong to testify in their ongoing copyright lawsuit against Suno. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Major record labels have secured a deposition subpoena for former Menlo Ventures principal C.C. Gong to challenge Suno's copyright defense. The legal action aims to examine how public endorsements of AI music platforms impact market analysis for existing copyright holders.

Why it matters

Plaintiffs argue that public praise for AI music services as a direct Spotify replacement undermines the fair use arguments presented by Suno. Accessing these communications is a critical step in the ongoing litigation regarding AI training data and copyright infringement.

The subpoena for C.C. Gong arrives 12 days after the formal close of fact discovery in the case against Suno. This move follows a 53-day gap between the initial request sent to Menlo Ventures and the direct action taken against the former executive.

The players

Universal Music

Universal Music is one of the world's largest music corporations and a primary plaintiff in the copyright lawsuit against AI music generator Suno.

Sony Music

Sony Music is a global entertainment company currently litigating against Suno over alleged copyright infringement regarding AI training data.

C.C. Gong

C.C. Gong is a former principal at Menlo Ventures whose public social media endorsements of AI music technology have become a focal point in recent copyright litigation.

Menlo Ventures

Menlo Ventures is a venture capital firm that faces ongoing subpoena requests for documents related to its investment in the AI company Suno.

Suno

Suno is an AI music generation platform that is currently defending itself against a copyright lawsuit filed by major record labels.

The details

Universal Music and Sony Music are targeting a deleted tweet from February 2026 where Gong stated she shifted her music listening habits from Spotify to Suno. The labels are now moving to compel testimony after learning in October 2026 that Gong had departed her role at the venture capital firm.

February 2026: C.C. Gong posts a tweet comparing Suno to Spotify.
Late September 2026: C.C. Gong leaves her role at Menlo Ventures.
October 12, 2026: Menlo counsel notifies the plaintiffs of Gong's departure.
Mid-October 2026: Plaintiffs file a motion to compel discovery from Menlo Ventures.
November 2026: C.C. Gong is scheduled for a deposition within 30 days.

Industry Dynamics

This development reflects the broader legal struggle between record labels and AI firms attempting to establish the boundaries of the fair use copyright defense. The industry is currently watching these proceedings to see how AI platforms will be classified relative to established digital streaming services.

The outcome of this litigation could significantly alter how consumers access AI-generated music and whether platforms like Suno are permitted to maintain their current operational models. Future rulings may affect the availability of generative AI features on popular streaming platforms.

The takeaway

The record labels are working to establish that AI music platforms act as market substitutes rather than creative tools. Listeners should expect increased regulatory scrutiny of generative AI services as these court cases progress through the legal system.