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
Rhea-AI Summary
Positive
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Negative
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Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Peer moves in Entertainment are mixed: ABQQ up 50%, APHP up 30.62%, WNLV up 15.43%, AMFL down 11.11%, and HWAL flat. With SONG unchanged at 0%, this legal-focused headline appears stock-specific rather than a broad sector move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | OTCID uplisting | Positive | +100.0% | Successful uplisting to OTC ID Market Tier boosted visibility and trading access. |
| Aug 14 | Corporate update | Positive | +0.0% | Update on PCAOB audit review and anticipated OTC ID listing had no price move. |
| Aug 04 | Audit engagement | Positive | +0.0% | Retainer agreement with PCAOB-registered firm to review semi-annual financials. |
| Jul 23 | Audit agreement | Positive | +0.0% | Announcement of PCAOB audit engagement and focus on transparent reporting. |
| Jul 14 | Media coverage | Positive | +0.0% | Bloomberg and LA Times features on flat $50 licensing model and 7.4% share. |
Operational and visibility milestones have generally produced limited or no price reaction, except for one sharp move on the OTC uplisting news, suggesting inconsistent responsiveness to positive developments.
Over the last six months, Music Licensing, Inc. has focused on transparency, auditing, and market positioning. In July 2025, it engaged a PCAOB-registered audit firm and highlighted a 7.4% U.S. performance rights market share with over 2.5 million works. Subsequent updates covered its OTCID application and successful uplisting on Aug 27, 2025, which saw a 100% price move. Today’s announcement shifts from corporate infrastructure to defending its business model and reputation through potential legal action.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement centers on potential defamation and antitrust actions as Music Licensing, Inc. challenges claims from a member of Congress and industry groups. Historically, the company emphasized transparency, PCAOB-reviewed financials, and an estimated 7.4% market share with over 2.5 million works. Investors may track how any legal proceedings evolve, whether they affect licensing relationships, and how they interact with the firm’s prior focus on audits and OTC market positioning.
Key Terms
antitrust litigation regulatory
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Miami, FL, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Music Licensing, Inc. and its subsidiary, Pro Music Rights (PMR) today announced that they are actively exploring legal action in response to what it believes to be false and defamatory statements made by Representative Scott Fitzgerald, as well as coordinated efforts by legacy performing rights organizations (PROs) and industry lobbying groups to suppress independent competition in the U.S. music licensing marketplace.
Pro Music Rights and Music Licensing, Inc. categorically reject the recent Congressional letter, which it believes contains politically motivated, factually inaccurate assertions about our business, our repertoire, and our commitment to independent music creators. The letter perpetuates false narratives advanced by entrenched industry interests—including members of the MIC Coalition, as well as BMI and ASCAP—whose efforts historically aim to preserve dominance, reduce payments to creators, and marginalize innovative competitors.
Addressing Misinformation and Protecting Market Integrity
The Company believes Representative Fitzgerald’s request for a Federal Trade Commission investigation relies on selective and misleading claims, largely sourced from entrenched industry players threatened by PMR’s disruptive market presence. The letter cherry-picks commentary from other PROs submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office’s 2025 Notice of Inquiry, while disregarding the Office’s own findings. The Copyright Office expressly declined to recommend radical restructuring of the PRO marketplace, emphasizing the need for more robust data and transparency rather than fewer competitors.
PMR has consistently and transparently disclosed its licensing practices, market share estimates, and repertoire information in official filings and public statements, including during the 2025 Copyright Office inquiry. Any assertion that PMR or its Chairman, Jake P. Noch, “feigns legitimacy” or engages in deceptive practices is false, defamatory, and unsupported by the factual record.
Exploring Legal Remedies
In light of the Congressman’s repeated false claims, PMR and Music Licensing, Inc. are exploring all available legal remedies, including:
- Defamation claims: Mr. Jake P. Noch, the only openly Jewish head of a performing rights organization in the United States, is personally evaluating legal action against Representative Fitzgerald for statements that he believes are anti-Semitic, false, and damaging to his personal and professional reputation.
- Antitrust litigation: PMR is considering actions against the MIC Coalition, its member associations, and incumbent PROs, including BMI and ASCAP, for coordinated efforts to suppress independent competition and maintain market dominance.
These statements and actions extend well beyond legitimate policy debate, instead attacking the integrity of lawfully operated businesses and individuals while ignoring repeated outreach seeking direct engagement and dialogue.
The Hypocrisy of Incumbent PROs and Lobbying Interests
Several organizations now criticizing PMR previously sought antitrust relief when their own market power drew government scrutiny. Instead of supporting a competitive, creator-focused licensing ecosystem, these incumbents leverage political influence to entrench dominance and portray independent competitors as threats.
The MIC Coalition includes powerful trade associations representing restaurants, hotels, broadcasters, technology companies, event organizers, and other corporate interests that have long advocated for reduced music licensing costs. While promoting “transparency” and “fairness,” many of these associations support policies that make it more difficult for songwriters, composers, and publishers to receive royalties to which they are legally entitled.
Commitment to Independent Creators
PMR remains the only PRO that has consistently disrupted the status quo while advocating for fair treatment of historically marginalized or underpaid creators. The scrutiny PMR receives underscores the disruptive impact of its creator-centric business model.
Chairman Jake P. Noch firmly rejects all personal attacks and defamatory insinuations. As one of the few openly Jewish and pro-Israel senior executives in the U.S. PRO landscape, he has been subjected to prejudicial and anti-Semitic commentary, despite no competent authority ever finding misconduct by him or PMR.
A Call for Fair Engagement
PMR urges Representative Fitzgerald and other policymakers to engage directly with independent songwriters, composers, small publishers, and other rightsholders whose livelihoods depend on fair compensation. Misrepresenting the works of independent creators as “worthless” or subordinating their rights to large corporate interests undermines both U.S. copyright law and the integrity of the music industry.
Moving Forward
Music Licensing, Inc. and Pro Music Rights remain steadfast in defending independent creators and enforcing intellectual property rights. Through advocacy, litigation where necessary, and ongoing licensing operations, PMR will continue to ensure that songwriters, composers, publishers, and other rightsholders are compensated fairly and treated with respect. No amount of political pressure, smear campaigns, or coordinated lobbying will deter PMR from pursuing accountability and protecting the rights of its creators.
About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTCID: SONG) (ProMusicRights.com)
Music Licensing, Inc. (OTCID: SONG), also known as Pro Music Rights, is a diversified holding company and the fifth public performance rights organization (PRO) established in the United States. It is recognized under the federal registry of the United States government. The company licenses music to some of the most prominent platforms and businesses, including TikTok, iHeartMedia, Triller, Napster, 7Digital, Vevo, and many others.
Pro Music Rights holds an estimated
Additionally, Music Licensing, Inc. (OTCID: SONG) holds royalty interests in Listerine “Mouthwash” Antiseptic and a vast portfolio of musical works by globally renowned artists, including The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Elton John, Mike Posner, blackbear, Lil Nas X, Lil Yachty, DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, XXXTentacion, BlueFace, The Game, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, Eric Bellinger, Ne-Yo, MoneyBagg Yo, Halsey, Desiigner, DaniLeigh, Rihanna, and many others.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Pro Music Rights, Inc., Music Licensing, Inc., or any other person.
Non-Legal Advice Disclosure:
This press release does not constitute legal advice, and readers are advised to seek legal counsel for any legal matters or questions related to the content herein.
Non-Investment Advice Disclosure:
This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not in any way imply or constitute a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, commodities, bonds, options, derivatives, or any other investment products. Any decisions related to investments should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor or professional. We assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this communication
Contact: investors@ProMusicRights.com
SOURCE: Music Licensing, Inc.
