ASCAP Settles DOJ Action Concerning Exclusive Licensing Agreements

USA v. ASCAP, No. 41-1395 (S.D.N.Y. May 12, 2016) (Doc. 749).

The Dep't of Justice and ASCAP have settled a claim concerning approximately 150 ASCAP agreements that granted the performing rights organization exclusive licensing rights allegedly in violation of an earlier consent decree.  The settlement prohibits ASCAP form entering into any agreement under which a songwriter, composer, or music publisher grants ASCAP the exclusive right to license the right of public performance in musical works, and further limits the licensing activities of board members and music publishers.  Further, ASCAP agreed to pay $1.75 million.