CNMC fines SGAE for abusing dominant position in setting music and audiovisual licensing fees
The CNMC has fined SGAE with 6.4 million euros for abusing its dominant position by designing and applying fees charged to radios and TVs for using its music and audiovisual repertoire.
25.06.2024 | Spanish competition authority
The Spanish competition authority CNMC has imposed a fine of 6.4 million euros on SGAE for abusing its dominant position in the market. SGAE designed fees in a way that forced most radio and TV operators to opt for a 'flat rate' fee to use its repertoire, limiting competition.
This practice had anticompetitive effects by depriving operators of a true fee choice based on actual usage and by reducing incentives to contract with SGAE's competitors.
The investigation was initiated following complaints from various entities, including Derechos de Autor de Medios Audiovisuales and Unison Rights, S.L.