Switching your account...
On 27 August 2025, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) issued its judgement on the proposed class action against PRS. The CAT found in favour of PRS stating the claim did “not disclose facts which support the claim for infringement” of competition law; nor did it have “a reasonable prospect of success.” A full copy of the judgement can be found on the CAT website.
PRS has issued the following statement in response to the judgement.
We welcome the Tribunal’s comprehensive decision to reject this claim, noting that no evidence was provided to support the suggestion that PRS’s distribution policies are unfair, nor was a plausible alternative put forward. It has always been our position that these allegations were based on a fundamental misrepresentation of our policies and operations, which has been fully vindicated in this judgment.
The Tribunal clearly identified that the class was effectively suing itself. It also noted that it was not clear how PRS would be able to pay any costs and damages other than by diverting royalties away from its members, including funds that would end up going to pay legal fees and the litigation funder.
We also welcome the specific reference to existing mechanisms to resolve any members’ concerns, including via the Members’ Council.
We look forward to returning our focus to where it belongs – delivering world class services, accelerating accurate royalty payments and further reducing administration rates to pay more royalties to songwriters and composers.
We have put together background on the Competition Appeal Tribunal proceedings and a short Q&A. You can find this in the Member Update section via your online account or by clicking here.
Switching your account...