Pro Music Rights and Music Licensing, Inc. Announce Potential Antitrust and Defamation Actions in Response to Mischaracterizations by Congressman Scott Fitzgerald and Industry Lobby Groups

Core Viewpoint - Music Licensing, Inc. and its subsidiary Pro Music Rights are considering legal action against Representative Scott Fitzgerald and legacy performing rights organizations for allegedly false and defamatory statements aimed at suppressing independent competition in the U.S. music licensing market [1][2][5]. Group 1: Legal Actions and Responses - Pro Music Rights and Music Licensing, Inc. reject a recent Congressional letter, claiming it contains politically motivated and factually inaccurate assertions about their business and commitment to independent music creators [2]. - The company believes that Representative Fitzgerald's request for a Federal Trade Commission investigation is based on selective claims from industry players threatened by PMR's market presence [3]. - PMR is exploring legal remedies against Fitzgerald for defamation and considering antitrust litigation against the MIC Coalition and incumbent PROs for efforts to suppress competition [9]. Group 2: Market Position and Practices - PMR holds an estimated 7.4% market share in the U.S., representing over 2.5 million works from notable artists [14]. - The company has consistently disclosed its licensing practices and market share in official filings, countering claims of deceptive practices [4]. - PMR advocates for fair treatment of historically marginalized creators, emphasizing its disruptive impact on the traditional PRO landscape [8]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Criticism - The MIC Coalition, which includes various trade associations, has historically advocated for reduced music licensing costs, often at the expense of fair compensation for creators [7]. - Incumbent PROs have previously sought antitrust relief when their market power was scrutinized, yet now leverage political influence to maintain dominance [6]. - The scrutiny faced by PMR highlights the resistance from established players to its creator-centric business model [8]. Group 4: Commitment to Creators - PMR emphasizes its commitment to defending independent creators and ensuring fair compensation through advocacy and litigation [12]. - The company calls for direct engagement with independent songwriters and rightsholders to address misrepresentations and uphold copyright integrity [11]. - Chairman Jake P. Noch has faced personal attacks, which he categorically rejects, asserting that no authority has found misconduct by him or PMR [10].