Italy: Regulator rules in favor of songwriters’ rights

The Italian Antitrust Authority (AGCM) has issued its final judgment further to the complaint filed by Soundreef against the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers (SIAE).

In the judgment made on September 25th 2018, AGCM ruled that SIAE had – at least since January 2012 – abused its dominant position by practicing multiple instances of unfair and illicit conduct against writers, publishers, competitors and music licensees.

According to AGCM, the above-mentioned conduct was part of a complex strategy that frustrated authors’ rights and sought to exclude Soundreef from the market-place.

Further to the judgment, AGCM instructed SIAE to immediately cease its restrictive conduct towards competitors, and refrain from such behavior in the future.

“We are truly happy with AGCM’s ruling,” commented Davide D’AtriSoundreef CEO, “as it restores justice in the world of copyright management. As stated by the Authority, SIAE must cease its illicit and restrictive conduct immediately.”

Full Content: PR News Wire

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