BMI’s primary goal is to ensure that our writers, composers and publishers are properly compensated for the public use of their music. This objective requires a multifaceted approach that involves educating about public policy and partnerships.
Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden has appointed Shira Perlmutter as the 14th United States Register of Copyrights. BMI issued the following statement today: “BMI would like to congratulate Shira Perlmutter on her appointment as Register of the U.S. Copyright Office. Register Perlmutter’s experience and extensive background in copyright law and policy will help shepherd the office during these times of continuous change, including the ongoing threats to our creators…
BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill participated today in an industry workshop organized by Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, US Department of Justice, to discuss consent decree reform. O’Neill highlighted the four key protections that BMI and ASCAP put forth to facilitate an orderly transition to a free market, including a path to ultimate termination of the decrees. He also highlighted the need to avoid Congressional regulation of…
Today, the DOJ announced its long-anticipated review of the BMI and ASCAP consent decrees. Below is BMI’s comment in response. “The DOJ’s long-anticipated review of the BMI and ASCAP consent decrees and call for public comment represent an opportunity to do what BMI has been advocating for years – modernize music licensing. BMI and ASCAP have already issued an open letter in which we share a proposed solution for…
With the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) evaluating the future of the BMI and ASCAP consent decrees, there has been much discussion and concern throughout the industry about the potential long-term impact. This is not surprising, since modifying or sunsetting the decrees would have far-reaching implications for the entire music business. Given that BMI and ASCAP are at the core of this issue, we feel it is important to share our…
Music history was made on October 11, 2018, when the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (MMA) was signed into law. This important legislation updates U.S. copyright law for the digital age and aims to help songwriters and composers receive improved royalty payments for their work when it is streamed. Representing the most meaningful music licensing reform in decades, in addition to benefitting creators, the MMA will streamline the licensing…
BMI announced today that longtime political strategist Michael Collins is joining the company as Vice President, Government Relations, effective November 5. Collins will be based in Washington, DC and report to BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill. Collins will be responsible for leading BMI’s efforts to protect the rights of its songwriters, composers and music publishers at all levels of government. This includes oversight of the company’s PAC as well as…
Today, the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act was signed into law by President Trump, marking a historic moment for the music industry. Notably, this legislation recognizes the essential contributions of the songwriters and composers at its core, who will see significant and deserved benefit, while streamlining the use of their music across businesses. This extraordinary outcome is the result of tremendous collaboration and unprecedented support among diverse stakeholders who…
Yesterday marked the deadline for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding BMI’s favorable consent decree ruling. With no such action taken, the final decision of the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit stands that BMI is free to continue to engage in the historic practice of fractional licensing. This development definitively ends litigation between BMI and the DOJ in this…
Today the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and affirmed BMI’s consent decree victory. The Second Circuit agreed with Judge Louis L. Stanton’s September 16, 2016 decision that the BMI consent decree allows for the practice of fractional licensing. Mike O’Neill, President and CEO of BMI, stated: “This is a massive victory for songwriters, composers, music publishers and the entire industry. We…
Updated August 2017 1. WHAT EXACTLY DID THE DOJ DETERMINE? After BMI spent over two years advocating specific reforms to modernize its outdated consent decree, the Department of Justice (DOJ) refused to agree to BMI’s proposed changes. Instead, it interpreted the current BMI decree as requiring “100% Licensing,” an issue BMI never raised and a licensing approach that has never been the industry practice. 2. WHAT IS ‘100% LICENSING’?
Comprehensive Resource To Increase Ownership Transparency In Performing Rights Licensing
BMI is the bridge that brings music to business and compensates the creators of that music.
Download PDFBMI’s public comments to U.S. Department of Justice request in review of consent decrees.
Download PDF
BMI President and CEO Addresses Congress on the Need for Change
“When BMI sent me my first royalty check it was for $4.69 … it meant everything. It meant I was a professional songwriter.” “In today’s music industry environment … the one thing keeping songwriters afloat is that performance royalty check.” “Aspects of the BMI consent decree have devalued the musical composition to the point where songwriters are being crushed.” “A legal framework that allows songs to be streamed for free will destroy the livelihood of the American songwriter if allowed to continue.” “My wife of 23 years says … ‘The only days I circle on my calendar every year are the four days your BMI check is coming.’”
Lee Thomas Miller
BMI Songwriter and Legislative Co-Chair of the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International
A guide to take action and create change
