Broadcasters, Bars & Restaurants, Audio Services, CCIA File Amicus In U.S. v. BMI Case

Washington — The Computer & Communications Industry Association joined broadcasters, bar and restaurant owners, and audio visual services providers in supporting the Department of Justice in its appeal of a decision in favor of BMI. The joint amicus brief argues that the antitrust consent decree that governs BMI requires them to offer full licensing rights to the works they control. The group is concerned the district court’s ruling on this case violates the consent decree put in place to offset the uncompetitive environment in which ASCAP and BMI license music.