Record Labels Suspected of Anti-Competitive Practices

The Swiss branch of the largest music industry trade group IFPI is under investigation for anti-competitive practices.

The Swiss Competition Commission (Wettbewerbskommission) is looking into the IFPI and its members, mostly prominent record labels.

A preliminary investigation started on 24 March 2011 and has revealed that IFPI Switzerland and its members hinder parallel CD imports. This prompted the Competition Commission to open a full investigation.

According to the press release (pdf) the music industry representatives are suspected of the following.

(1) hindrance of parallel imports (of cheaper CDs)

(2) blocking labels from becoming an IFPI member

(3) manipulation of the Swiss Music Charts through a non transparent selection process

Source: Record Labels Suspected of Anti-Competitive Practices

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