Pro Music Rightsis an independent organization which, like SACEM in France, is responsible for collecting the royalties claimed by artists in exchange for the distribution of their music. Based in the United States, it works with big names in the industry, some of which are worth several million dollars.
But according to the company, some servicesstreamingonline would have allowed themselves to offer listening to certain titles whose ownership it manages on their platform, and this without notifying PMR. A practice which now finds itself facing the judge, before the court of Connecticut.
Several companies targeted by the same complaint
In reality, the Music app which is now automatically installed on all Macs and iPhones is far from being the only one accused. Firms likeSoundcloud,Amazon,Google(YouTube),Spotifyare also affected. Even Deezer, the French flagship on which Orange and Xavier Niel have bet, is part of the list.
According to the court document relating the case,Appletherefore risks being condemned for anti-competitive behavior. A decision that remindshow much the era of sound has changed, as labels and physical sales increasingly collapse. Old, traditional methodologies are now being replaced by everything digital.
For now, both parties have yet to be heard, and the conflict promises to last several months. Theredefenseis in fact renowned for its tenacity, and can benefit from a considerable financial windfall which can conclude a trialten years later if she wishes.
