NMPA Lauds Songwriters' DOJ Lawsuit Over ASCAP/BMI Consent Decrees Decision

The National Music Publishers Association praised Songwriters of North America (SONA) Thursday for its lawsuit against DOJ over the Antitrust Division's decision in its review of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and Broadcast Music Inc. consent decrees (see 1608040066). SONA filed the suit in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., Tuesday (see 1609140027). “Songwriters and music publishers were dumbfounded” when Justice “not only decided that the outdated consent decrees would remain in place, but they took liberties with their interpretation” that the consent decrees' language mandates 100 percent licensing, said NMPA President David Israelite in a statement. DOJ's decision “unlawfully and unconstitutionally deprives creators of their rights," he said. "It also could invalidate private contracts, which is something all property owners should be extremely concerned about.”