U.S. Representative Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Monday (Dec. 8) urging the examination of “potential unfair or deceptive acts or practices by performing rights organizations (PROs) which could constitute a violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act.” Specifically, Fitzgerald’s letter, obtained by Billboard, centers its concerns on the two newest PROs in the U.S.: AllTrack and Pro Music Rights.

The letter, addressed to FTC chairman Andrew N. Ferguson, states that AllTrack and Pro Music Rights are soliciting businesses about purchasing their licenses and “leveraging the specter of statutory damages for those who do not comply,” but alleges that “while both entities feign legitimacy, it is unclear whether AllTrack or Pro Music Rights have amassed a repertoire that a licensee would find valuable to its business. Worse, however, it appears both entities may be misrepresenting to licensees the bodies of work they actually manage, thereby pressuring businesses to obtain a performance license they may not need.”

Offering an example, the letter cites claims on AllTrack’s website that it works songs performed by Billy Ray Cyrus and No Doubt. “However, as explained by commentors in response to the U.S. Copyright Office’s inquiry on PROs, AllTrack represents only a partial interest in one Billy Ray Cyrus song, and a composition once recorded by No Doubt, but does not represent the artists themselves or a substantial volume of their recorded works.”

The FTC letter is the latest attempt by Fitzgerald to get the federal government to investigate the practices of U.S. PROs. These calls for examination kicked off in September 2024, when House Judiciary Committee members Fitzgerald, along with committee chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), wrote a letter to the Copyright Office, expressing concerns about the “proliferation” of new PROs and the lack of transparency about the distribution of general licensing revenue.

This letter led the Copyright Office to open a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) into the U.S. PROs in February 2025. The NOI was completed just weeks ago, on Nov. 20, when the Copyright Office replied to the Congressmens’ letter, essentially declining to force any changes on the PROs, but adding: “The Office also understands that stakeholders have been working towards solutions to address some of the issues raised in your letter,” including GMR and SESAC joining up with BMI and ASCAP to make their repertoire data available on Songview, a searchable database that explains which PROs, publishers and songwriters are involved in many popular songs.

The letter to the FTC also points to comments made during the NOI by fellow U.S. PRO Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), a longtime PRO that represents nearly half of U.S. songwriters, as a reason to open an investigation.

“Pro Music Rights, similarly, claims to represent ‘a market share of 7.4% in the U.S.,’ yet, according to comments offered by BMI, that would equate to more rights management than a combined SESAC and GMR,” the letter to the FTC reads. It also calls into question Pro Music Rights founder/CEO Jake Noch, stating: “Legal action against Pro Music Rights’ founder provides further evidence that the PRO is engaged in a pattern of deception, if not outright fraud.”

The letter further points out that “licensees are unable to ascertain the full catalog of works either entity represents due to a lack of transparency in music ownership. As stakeholders have noted, the lack of a complete, authoritative database has allowed PROs like AllTrack and Pro Music Rights to misrepresent their volume of works without verification.” Here, it again points to comments from BMI during the NOI that explain the challenges of searching AllTrack’s repertoire.

Read the full letter, along with a statement from Pro Music Rights’ Noch, below. AllTrack did not reply to Billboard’s request for comment by press time. This story will be updated if AllTrack responds.

Noch, CEO of Pro Music Rights, said in a statement: “Pro Music Rights categorically rejects the false and misleading claims contained in Representative Fitzgerald’s letter to the FTC. The assertions made regarding our company’s legitimacy, transparency, and repertoire are demonstrably inaccurate and reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of both our operations and the current regulatory framework governing performing rights organizations.

“Pro Music Rights operates in full compliance with U.S. law and has consistently registered its repertory data with recognized industry partners and verification platforms. Our repertoire is robust, commercially valuable, and actively licensed across digital, broadcast, and public performance markets. Any implication that PMR ‘feigns legitimacy’ is patently untrue and unsupported by evidence.

“As a privately held, independent PRO, PMR was formed to increase transparency, competition, and fairness in a market historically dominated by a small number of legacy organizations. Unfortunately, entrenched industry players — some of whom are referenced in the Congressman’s letter — have repeatedly sought to undermine that competition through misinformation and lobbying efforts.

“We welcome any good-faith regulatory review grounded in facts rather than conjecture. Pro Music Rights has cooperated with all relevant authorities in the past and remains committed to full transparency with respect to both its catalog and its licensing activities.

“A formal statement and supporting documentation will be made available to the FTC and the public record in due course.”

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It’s true what they say: the best gifts come in small packages.

While it’s exciting to open up holiday gifts underneath your Christmas tree, the fun doesn’t have to end there. Stocking stuffers are an easy way to bring even more delight to your loved ones by holding all of your tinier gifts in one convenient spot — rather than risk them getting lost underneath the tree branches or Christmas tree skirt.

While these mini gifts have traditionally been reserved for kids, there are a ton of great stocking stuffer ideas for adults too. Need some help getting inspired? We put together a list of the best music-inspired stocking stuffers, from celebrity beauty favorites to official (and unofficial) artist merch. Whether they love pop, country or rock and roll, these music stocking stuffers are sure to put a smile on their face. As a bonus, we’ve included some non-music stocking stuffers as well, in case your recipient prefers something a little more practical for everyday use.

Compact and portable, this projector ensures you have the best movie night, no matter where you are. The tech is currently 46% off on Amazon. Don’t let the small size fool you, this projector is just as powerful as the bigger models. It supports 1080P resolution and 4K decoding, delivering clear and detailed images on any surface of your choosing. The best part? Amazon ensures prospective buyers that it’ll ship ahead of Christmas.

Feeling nostalgic? Pick up this mini Atari and retro TV set for just $34.19 and play some of your favorites like Pac-Man and Asteroids. The miniature set can really be used to play video games thanks to a working joystick and 1.5 inch color TV monitor that displays the chosen game clear as day. All you need to power this player is three triple A batteries, sold separately.

Speaking of mini gaming, this arcade machine from Amazon is similarly mini and gives users the same arcade experience they loved from back in the day. This small arcade machine is currently 38% off and also actually lets you play video games, 240 to be exact. The pocket-sized machine is equipped with an eight-way joystick and a 2.5” color screen.

These well-reviewed earbuds are a great AirPods dupe, with an all-white design and sporty charging case. Get up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, with dual mics for crystal clear call quality. The Bluetooth 5.3 standard makes for fast and easy pairing. A bestseller for the holidays, Amazon says more than 10,000 shoppers have picked up these earbuds in the last month alone.

This mini JBL portable speaker will help making taking their tunes on the go practically a breeze. It’s not only Bluetooth compatible, but comes with a handy loop to attach to a bike, belt loop, backpack and more. Plus, it’s currently the lowest price it’s been in 30 days, according to Amazon. About the size of a deck of cards, it’ll easily slip into any festive stocking.

Who needs a karaoke machine when they can have this tiny microphone that can plug into a smartphone and instantly become a portable karaoke mic for spontaneous singing or content creation. It’s great for vlogging too.

This portable charger gets you 5000mAh of power, to easily charge up your phone, earbuds and more, say, at a concert or festival. The super compact design tucks easily into your purse or pockets, and we like that it comes in multiple colors. The lipstick-sized charger has enough juice to get your iPhone from 20% to 70% in half an hour, and it can charge your AirPods up to six times.

If you’re looking to start up a new hobby in the new year, why not start up photography with this Vivitar Popsnap Compact Digital Camera for $$30.83 at Walmart? The camera is pink, our favorite, and has a high resolution, 44 megapixels and 1080p video capture. The camera is also tailor-made for TikTok content creation because the camera integrates features to support trending challenges and effects.

Avid concert-goers can protect their ears in style with a pair of chic Loop Quiet earplugs for just $20.95 on Amazon. There are four ear attachment sizes to choose from and the inside comes with sound filtering technology that’ll protect eardrums without sacrificing sound quality. When they’re done using them, they can place them in the included carrying case that features a built-in loop they can attach to their backpacks or belt loops.

This collaborative Moleskine journal is a must-have for BLINKS everywhere. The pages are ivory-colored, FSC-certified acid-free and feature a large, ruled format accompanied by a nifty expandable inner pocket and a classic “In case of loss” notice printed inside. With the purchase of your Moleskine, you’ll also receive a set of BLACKPINK stickers that allow you to make the journal your own.

There’s nothing better than a trinket box except maybe a piano-shaped trinket box. This style from Urban Outfitters retails for $28 and features a little kitty on the front dressed dapperly in a blue ribbon. The top of the piano opens up so you can fill it with little bits and bobs from earrings, rings and little figurienes. This makes an excellent decor piece set atop a vanity or on your desk.

If your go fish or rummy games are missing a musical touch, look no further than these Music Playing Cards from Uncommon Goods for $13. The playing cards feature cartoon-esque motifs of some of your favorite artists, including Madonna, Jimi Hendrix, Dolly Parton and more. This deck is ideal for music-lovers and gives friends and family something interactive to do over the holiday season.

If you’re looking to get into cocktail making in 2026, then the best way to start is this book, especially if you’re a die-hard Swiftie. This punny cocktail book is titled “Shake It Up,” based on the singer’s 2014 track “Shake It Off.” Retailing for $18.95, the book is chock-full of cocktail recipes inspired by Swift’s lengthy discography. It’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of mixology because it’s interactive and makes cocktail making relatable and easy to understand.

Sip coffee or hot cocoa this holiday in style out of an electric guitar-shaped ceramic mug. The novelty mug retails for $23.99 and presents like any old guitar, except it’s hollow and comes with a handle to make sipping drinks easy.

Jessica Simpson’s jewelry line is criminally underrated. The pieces are long-lasting, extremely stylish and, most importantly, affordable. It allows people the ability to express themselves with jewelry, without having to spend a fortune. We love this modern-looking bracelet with heart-shaped motifs throughout. The piece is an easy and cost-effective way to say “I love and care about you” without breaking the bank.

Socks as gifts can get a bad rep, but these ones from Lululemon will never leave you disappointed. The Quarter ankle-length sock currently retails for $9 and comes in a slew of stylish pastel hues. The fabric used to make these socks is stretchy and breathable, meaning you won’t have to suffer the dreaded foot sweat for style.

First things first: you’ll need a proper stocking, and Mariah Carey’s new Christmas merch collection includes this festive satin stocking, embroidered with red candy canes and snowflakes. The singer’s signature MC logo adorns the fluffy (faux fur) top. This stocking measures 15.75 x 8.25 inches in size.

Friendship bracelets were all the rage this year thanks to Taylor Swift and her Eras Tour. Now, you can pick up a pack of Taylor-inspired bracelets as a stocking stuffer gift idea too. This set gets you 11 bracelets with words spelling out different Swift eras and songs.

Most instruments aren’t exactly stocking stuffer material, however this mini kalimba is a palm-sized “piano” that you can actually play. The wooden body and stainless steel keys can be tapped by your fingers to create some mini melodies. It comes with a pendant to wrap securely around your hand while you play (you can also use this as a keychain or ornament).

Prevent earbuds from getting tangled with a handy and compact cord organizer that will keep wired headphones secure and safe. Plus, if your loved one is prone to losing their things, this can also be attached to a backpack, keys and more.

Music fans will love these vinyl record coasters, which depict album titles and songs inspired by some memorable classics. This set gets you 12 record player-style coasters. The coasters are made from plastic, with a grippy rubber base to prevent slipping. The coasters also come in a gift box.

Makeup lovers will appreciate this bestselling lip gloss from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty. It comes in a variety of colors to customize to their liking and has a formula that will moisturize lips while leaving a kiss-worthy shine.

Ariana Grande’s beloved perfume is ideal for anyone who gives off chic vibes. It comes in a sweet and flirty scent, with notes of pear, vanilla, coconut, lavender and pralines. The 3.4 oz. bottle is also minimalist-approved and display-worthy.

Rare Beauty’s liquid blush is the viral must-have that most beauty enthusiasts will be obsessed with. A little goes a long way and it comes in plenty of shades to personalize to your loved one. This is from Selena Gomez’s fan-loved beauty brand, so it makes for a great stocking stuffer for Selenators and beauty enthusiasts alike.

We love these guitar-shaped bottle openers, which make for easy and affordable stocking stuffers. Musicians will love the themed gift idea and it’s sure to be a staple on their bar carts and kitchen counters. This Amazon deal gets you a two-pack of bottle openers for under $10.

We’re rounding up some non-musical stocking stuffers too. If your friend values sleep over anything else, then a silk sleep mask is a must-have. Brooklinen’s Mulberry Silk Eyemask comes in a variety of patterns and shades including stripes and constellations as well as has an elastic band that’ll form to their unique head shape for added comfort. At $29, it’s cheaper than last year’s price.

Claw clips are an easy and affordable way to surprise the hair guru in your life. This six-pack comes in six different shades and open up to eight inches to hold thin to thick hair types.

For a thoughtful pick, this gorgeous birthstone ring will bring some glimmer to their hands while creating a keepsake they can treasure and pass down for generations. Plus, it’s less than $50!

Rather than splurge on packages of makeup remover wipes, these cotton pads are an eco-friendly essential that can be washed for longevity and require a simple swipe to get all that eye product off.

No matter where their travels take them, make sure they have a handy bag to keep all their beauty and skincare essentials in. For larger stockers, the Dopp Kit by Beis comes in eight shades and is made with a spill-proof material that can be wiped clean and reused for years to come.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best gender-neutral gifts, astrology gifts and gifts for musicians.