Earlier this year a coalition of music licensees and their Washington lobbyists tried, once again, to upend the licensing system that enables ASCAP and other performing rights organizations to pay music creators fairly and efficiently. As a result, in response to a letter from members of Congress, the US Copyright Office (USCO) issued a Notice of Inquiry, or NOI, seeking public comments.

Over 4,600 ASCAP members joined ASCAP in submitting comments to the Copyright Office to combat the misleading claims from music licensees looking to pay less for the use of your music – and it made a big difference.

On November 20, 2025, in their reply to Congress, the USCO affirmed the value of PROs, cautioned against further government regulation and specifically noted the remarkable response from ASCAP members. The report also recognized ASCAP’s work to innovate through initiatives like our expanded Songview platform that provides transparency and clarity to creators and licensees alike.

A copy of USCO’s letter to Congress can be found HERE. For additional context, ASCAP’s initial comments are available HERE and our reply comments HERE.

This entire process was the result of yet another coordinated effort by music licensees whose primary goal is to pay less for the use of your music. This is not the first time, and it won’t be the last time these groups try to convince Congress to put their economic interests above those of music creators, even as their businesses depend on your work.

For more than 100 years, ASCAP has been fighting for music creators’ rights, and we will always stand with you whenever new threats to your livelihood arise.