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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH
CAROLINA COLUMBIA DIVISION |
RECEIVED USDS, CLERK,
CHARLESTON, SC.
2009 AUG 27 P 1:10
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff,
v.
CONSOLIDATED MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, INC.,
Defendant.
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Case No. 3:08-CV-01786-SB
Filed: 08/27/2009
Judge: Sol Batt, Jr. |
FINAL JUDGMENT
WHEREAS, Plaintiff, United States of America, filed its Complaint on
May 2, 2008, alleging that Defendant Consolidated Multiple Listing
Service, Inc. ("CMLS") adopted rules and practices that exclude
competitors from and restrain competition in the Columbia, South Carolina,
real estate brokerage market in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act,
15 U.S.C. § 1, and Plaintiff and Defendant, by their respective
attorneys, have consented to the entry of this Final Judgment without
trial or adjudication of any issue of fact or law, and without this Final
Judgment constituting any evidence against, or any admission by, any party
regarding any issue of fact or law;
WHEREAS, the United States requires CMLS to agree to certain procedures
and prohibitions for the purposes of preventing and remedying the loss of
competition alleged in the Complaint;
WHEREAS, CMLS agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Final
Judgment pending its approval by the Court;
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Final Judgment is the prompt and certain
elimination of barriers to new and innovative broker competitors and
impediments to competition among brokers in the Columbia area;
NOW THEREFORE, before any testimony is taken, without trial or
adjudication of any issue of fact or law, and upon consent of the parties,
it is ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED:
I. JURISDICTION
This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of and each of the
parties to this action. The Complaint states a claim upon which relief may
be granted against CMLS under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, as amended, 15
U.S.C. § 1.
II. DEFINITIONS
As used in this Final Judgment:
A. "Board" means CMLS's Board of Directors or Board of Trustees.
B. "Broker-in-Charge" means a broker-in-charge as the term is defined
under Title 40, Chapter 57 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina.
C. "CMLS" means the Defendant, Consolidated Multiple Listing Service,
Inc., its predecessors, successors, subsidiaries, affiliates,
partnerships, and joint ventures and all directors, trustees, officers,
employees, agents and representatives of the foregoing. The terms
"subsidiary," "affiliate," and "joint venture" refer to any Person in
which there is or has been partial (twenty percent or more) or total
ownership or control between CMLS and any other Person.
D. "Department of Justice" means the United States Department of
Justice, Antitrust Division.
E. "Including" means including, but not limited to.
F. "Licensee" means a Person licensed as a broker or salesman under
Title 40, Chapter 57 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina and affiliated
with a Member of CMLS.
G. "Member" means an Owner who is entitled to receipt of or access to
all products and services that CMLS offers to any member or
participant.
H. "Membership" means being a Member of CMLS.
I. "Owner" means a person who is or employs a Broker-in-Charge.
J. "Person" means any natural person, corporation, company,
partnership, joint venture, firm, association, proprietorship, agency,
board, authority, commission, office, or other business or legal entity,
whether private or governmental.
K. "Rule" means any CMLS rule, bylaw, policy, standard, or
guideline.
L. The terms "and" and "or" have both conjunctive and disjunctive
meanings.
III. APPLICABILITY
This Final Judgment applies to CMLS and all other persons in active
concert or participation with it who receive actual notice of this Final
Judgment by personal service or otherwise.
IV. PROHIBITED CONDUCT
A. Subject to the provisions of Section VI of this Final Judgment, CMLS
shall not adopt, maintain, or enforce any Rule, or enter into or enforce
any agreement or practice, that directly or indirectly
- denies Membership in CMLS to any Owner who requests Membership in
CMLS;
- discriminates against or disadvantages any Member or Licensee based
on the Member's or Licensee's office location, pricing or commission
rates, business model, contractual forms or types used, or services or
activities the Member or Licensee performs or does not perform for any
home buyer or home seller;
- conditions CMLS's acceptance of any listing or its provision of any
other product or service to any Member or any Licensee on the Member's
or Licensee's pricing or commission rate or performance of or agreement
to perform any service or activity for any home buyer or home seller; or
- prohibits, restricts, or impedes any truthful advertising or
marketing activities of any home seller or discriminates against or
disadvantages any Member or Licensee for any truthful advertising or
marketing activity in which any home seller is engaged. For purposes of
this provision, it is not untruthful for a home seller who has entered
an exclusive agency listing agreement with a Member or Licensee to
advertise his or her home in "For Sale by Owner" or "FSBO" publications
or on "For Sale by Owner" or "FSBO" websites or to otherwise suggest to
the public that the home seller is selling his or her own home.
B. CMLS shall not require any Owner who seeks to become a Member to
pay, as a condition of becoming a Member, initiation, application, or
other fees that, individually or in the aggregate, exceed the reasonably
estimated cost incurred by CMLS in adding a new Member.
C. CMLS shall not inquire into or request information about the actual
or anticipated business model, prices or commission rates charged or to be
charged, or operations of (i) any Owner who requests Membership in CMLS,
(ii) any Member, or (iii) any Licensee, except as necessary to ensure that
the Owner, Member, or Licensee holds (or employs a person who holds) the
appropriate license under Title 40, Chapter 57 of the Code of Laws of
South Carolina.
D. CMLS shall not re-adopt or enforce any Rules or portions of Rules
that it must delete under Sections V.A or V.B of this Final Judgment or
reverse or modify any modifications to Rules or portions of Rules that it
must modify under Section V.B of this Final Judgment.
V. REQUIRED CONDUCT
A. Subject to the provisions of Section VI of this Final Judgment, CMLS
shall delete and cease to enforce any Rule, and discontinue any practice,
that CMLS would be prohibited from adopting, maintaining, or enforcing
pursuant to Section IV of this Final Judgment.
B. CMLS shall make the following specific changes to its Rules (all
references are to the December 2008 version of CMLS's Bylaws and to the
January 2009 version of CMLS's rules):
- CMLS shall modify Article III, Section 1 of its Bylaws as follows:
Current language:
"Those eligible for membership in CMLS shall consist of entities
and/or individuals holding a license to engage in the real estate
business within the Midlands of South Carolina which are primarily in
the real estate business within primary areas served by the CMLS shall
qualify for membership. The service areas include the counties of
Richland, Lexington, Saluda, Kershaw, Calhoun, Newberry and
Fairfield."
Modified language:
"Those eligible for membership in CMLS shall consist of Owners who
are or who employ Brokers-in-Charge holding licenses allowing them to
engage in the real estate business in South Carolina."
- CMLS shall delete and cease to enforce the following portion of
Article III, Section 6 of its Bylaws:
"This application will include a thorough resume of the new
Member's Broker-in-Charge and owner. The prospective member also
agrees that a credit check may be required. The application must be
submitted to the CMLS office no later than two weeks prior to the
scheduled membership meeting."
- CMLS shall delete and cease to enforce the following portion of
Article IV of its Bylaws:
"RECOGNIZING THAT PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION OF BOTH A BUYER AND A
SELLER IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT IN ANY REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION, NO
PROPERTY SHALL BE LISTED WITH THE CMLS UNLESS THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE SELLER AND LISTING AGENT EXPRESSLY REQUIRES ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT BY
THAT AGENT IN THE SALE AND CLOSING OF THE PROPERTY. FAILURE TO ABIDE
BY THIS PRECEPT SHALL CAUSE A PROPERTY TO BE DE-LISTED AND MAY SUBJECT
THE LISTING AGENT TO EXPULSION FROM CMLS."
- CMLS shall modify Article XI of its Bylaws as follows:
Current language:
"Any dispute between Members relating to or arising out of breaches
or violations of the rules and regulations of the CMLS, or between
Members and buyers and sellers, arising out of the use of the CMLS,
shall be submitted for mediation as herein provided in the Exclusive
Right to Sell Contract."
Modified language:
"Any dispute between Members relating to or arising out of breaches
or violations of the rules and regulations of the CMLS shall be
submitted for mediation."
- CMLS shall modify a portion of Definition 8 ("Listing Agreement") as
follows:
Current language:
"CMLS allows the entry of Exclusive Right to Sell and Exclusive
Agency into the CMLS database, as adopted and approved by the Board
from time to time."
Modified language:
"CMLS allows the entry of Exclusive Right to Sell and Exclusive
Agency listings into the CMLS database."
- CMLS shall modify Definition 10 ("FSBO") as follows:
Current language:
"Properties for sale by an Owner with no CMLS Exclusive Right to
Sell Form executed by Owner."
Modified language:
"Properties for sale by an Owner with no Listing Agreement executed
by Owner."
- CMLS shall modify Rule 1(a) as follows:
Current language:
"Written Agreement. Each listing submitted by a Member shall be in
writing on the Exclusive Right to Sell (ERTS) Form or Exclusive Agency
(EA) Form as approved by the Board from time to time. No alteration of
any kind to the provisions of the Listing Agreement shall be allowed.
No material shall be included in the 'Special Stipulations' section of
the Listing Agreements which is inconsistent with or which modifies
the printed portion of the Listing Agreements or which is inconsistent
with the By-Laws or Rules or Regulations of CMLS. No Member or
representative thereof shall make any agreement with an Owner, whether
verbally or in writing, which varies, in any way, the provisions of
the Listing Agreements provided herein. CMLS allows only a single list
price for a property."
Modified language:
"Written Agreement. For each listing submitted to CMLS by a Member,
the Member shall have a written Listing Agreement with the property
owner."
- CMLS shall modify Rule 1(b)(1) as follows:
Current language:
"All listings shall be prepared on such forms as the Board shall
approve from time to time . . . ."
Modified language:
"Members shall collect information about listings submitted to CMLS
on Listing Input Sheets as the Board shall approve from time to time .
. . ."
- CMLS shall modify Rule 1(b)(2) as follows:
Current language:
"All listings must be entered into the computer within 2 business
days upon acceptance of the listing by the Member. If not entered by
the Member, the listing shall be delivered to CMLS within 2 business
days by hand delivery or facsimile transfer and a fee of $15.00 will
be required for entry by CMLS. Completed Listing Forms (to include
Listing Input Sheets and Exclusive Right to Sell or Exclusive Agency
Contracts) are not required to be submitted to CMLS, but will be
retained by member companies in accordance with current State Law.
Copies of these documents shall be submitted to CMLS upon request.
Additionally, ten (10) percent of new listings entered into the CMLS
database will be automatically selected for audit. The Listing Company
will be notified at the time the listing is entered into the system
and an MLS number assigned. A follow-up email will be transmitted to
the Listing Agent, the person entering the listing and the BIC."
Modified language:
"All listings must be entered into the computer within two (2)
business days upon acceptance of the listing by the Member. If not
entered by the Member, the Listing Input Sheet shall be delivered to
CMLS within two (2) business days by hand delivery or facsimile
transfer and a fee of $15 will be required for entry by CMLS.
Completed Listing Agreements should be retained by member companies in
accordance with current State Law. Copies of Listing Input Sheets (but
not Listing Agreements) shall be submitted to CMLS upon request.
However, no more than ten (10) percent of new listings entered into
the CMLS database will be randomly selected for audit. The Listing
Company will be notified at the time the listing is entered into the
system and an MLS number assigned. A follow-up email will be
transmitted to the Listing Agent, the person entering the listing and
the BIC. If selected for audit, the Listing Company shall submit
copies of Listing Input Sheets and Listing Agreements to CMLS within
two business days. Before submitting any Listing Agreement, the
Listing Company may white out, black out, or otherwise conceal all
information in the Listing Agreement except the Member's or Listing
Agent's and owner's signatures, the co-broke fee to be paid to any
Selling Company, the date of execution of the Listing Agreement, the
term (length) of the Listing Agreement, and the address of the listed
property. Listings submitted for audit may be reviewed by any CMLS
employee other than those employees who are also CMLS Members. CMLS
will destroy any audited Listing Input Sheets and Listing Agreements
within five business days of receiving them or following the
resolution of any issues."
- CMLS shall modify a portion of Rule 2 as follows:
Current language:
"Offers on properties included in the CMLS shall be made in written
form to the Selling Company and not directly to the Owner."
Modified language:
"Offers on properties included in the CMLS shall be made in written
form to the Listing Company and not directly to the Owner, unless the
Listing Company communicates otherwise in the broker or agent remarks
field in the listing. The Listing Company shall, upon request, furnish
an executed copy of a form dated and signed by the Owner stating as
follows: 'I have entered a listing agreement with [broker] for the
sale of my property. I have agreed with my broker that offers from
potential buyers (or their brokers or agents) will be submitted to me
and not to my broker.'"
- CMLS shall modify a portion of Rule 3 as follows:
Current language:
There will be no owner's names or phone numbers on any signage.
Modified language:
There will be no owner's names or phone numbers on any signage,
unless the Listing Company and Owner have entered an Exclusive Agency
Listing as opposed to an Exclusive Right to Sell Listing.
- CMLS shall modify a portion of Rule 3 as follows:
Current language:
"No 'For Sale By Owner' (FSBO) sign may be placed on the property
nor may the property be advertised in print media as a FSBO or
electronically on FSBO sites."
Modified language:
"No 'For Sale By Owner' (FSBO) sign may be placed on the property
nor may the property be advertised in print media as a FSBO or
electronically on FSBO sites, unless the Listing Company and Owner
have entered an Exclusive Agency Listing as opposed to an Exclusive
Right to Sell Listing."
- CMLS shall modify a portion of Rule 5(b) as follows::
Current language:
"In order to maintain the highest professional standards and meet
the requirements of Article II Item 3, all Members must maintain an
office in accordance with State Law. The office shall be maintained
within primary areas served by CMLS, which includes the counties of
Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, Saluda, Newberry, Calhoun and
Fairfield."
Modified language:
"In order to maintain the highest professional standards and meet
the requirements of Article II Item 3, all Members must maintain an
office in accordance with State Law, enforcement of which is the
responsibility of the appropriate State officials."
- CMLS shall delete and cease to enforce Rule 5(c), which states as
follows:
"A representative (Owner/Broker-in-Charge) of the prospective
Member must personally appear at the CMLS office for a brief
orientation meeting with the Membership Committee. The CMLS Board will
vote on acceptance of the prospective new Member at the next scheduled
board meeting. This voting process may also be conducted via email.
The prospective Member will be notified of the Board's decision within
2 business days."
- CMLS shall modify a portion of Rule 7 as follows:
Current language:
". . . no Member may advertise in any media that they can list a
property in the CMLS for a flat fee without disclosing to the consumer
that the consumer will be required to sign an Exclusive Right to Sell
contract which includes the co-broke fee the consumer is willing to
pay."
Modified language:
". . . no Member may advertise in any media that they can list a
property in the CMLS for a flat fee without disclosing to the consumer
that the consumer will be required to offer a co-broke fee."
- CMLS shall modify a portion of Rule 7 as follows:
Current language:
"No property may be advertised in print media as a FSBO or
electronically on FSBO sites nor can a FSBO sign be placed on the
property."
Modified language:
"No property may be advertised in print media as a FSBO or
electronically on FSBO sites nor can a FSBO sign be placed on the
property, unless the Listing Company and Owner have entered an
Exclusive Agency Listing as opposed to an Exclusive Right to Sell
Listing."
- CMLS shall modify Rule 17 as follows:
Current language:
"Prior to being granted access to the CMLS system for the purpose
of information entry an agent/representative or individual Member must
attend and complete an introductory class on the use thereof and
provide evidence thereof to the CMLS staff."
Modified language:
"Prior to being granted access to the CMLS system for the purpose
of information entry, an agent/representative or individual Members
must attend and complete an introductory class on the use of the CMLS
system and an orientation with a CMLS staff member (who is not a CMLS
Member). New Members who previously worked as an agent/representative
under another CMLS Member and had training in and access to the CMLS
system need not repeat the introductory class and orientation. The
agent/representative or individual Member will also be excused from
the introductory class if he or she demonstrates familiarity with the
MLS software used by CMLS, through membership in another MLS that uses
the same software. In such case, the agent/representative or
individual Member may receive the orientation by phone. CMLS shall
provide introductory classes/orientation no less frequently than once
every two weeks, if needed."
- CMLS shall modify Rule 20(21) as follows:
Current language:
"All keyboxes must be approved by the CMLS. Within the primary
service area of CMLS, another type of keybox may be placed on the
listing but must be accompanied by a keybox approved by the CMLS
(including HUD homes, Corporate Owned homes, Foreclosures, etc).
Subleasing of CMLS keyboxes is strictly forbidden and will result in a
fine of $500 for each offense. Listings in violation of this rule will
be removed from the CMLS system without notice."
Modified language:
"Listings with keyboxes in the CMLS primary service area (Richland,
Lexington, Kershaw, Saluda, Fairfield, Newberry and Calhoun Counties)
must have a CMLS approved keybox. Another type of keybox (non-CMLS
approved) may be placed on the listing but must be accompanied by a
keybox approved by CMLS (including HUD homes, Corporate Owned homes,
Foreclosures, etc.). Upon receipt of a signed agreement between the
Seller and an agent/representative or individual Member requesting
CMLS to supply a keybox directly to the Seller, CMLS will furnish the
Seller a keybox. The agreement shall include a statement that the
agent/representative or individual Member agrees to pay all normal
fees associated with the issuance of a keybox. CMLS shall maintain a
list of keyholders available to remove keyboxes as a service to
listing brokers at a fee to be negotiated between the keyholder and
Member. Subleasing of CMLS keyboxes is strictly forbidden and will
result in a fine of $500 for each offense. Listings in violation of
this rule will be removed from the CMLS system without notice."
- CMLS shall modify Rule 20(23) as follows:
Current language:
"Any agreement between a listor client and a Member that gives the
Member an advantage over another Member must be disclosed on the CMLS
listing input sheet and appear on the computer printout sheet, i.e.,
if the listing company or owner sells the property the commission will
be modified. The listing member must disclose the details of such
agreement when requested by another Member."
Modified language:
"If a Member enters a Listing Agreement with an Owner under which
the commission rate varies for any reason, that fact (but not the
commission rate) shall be disclosed on the CMLS Listing Input Sheet
and appear on the computer printout sheet."
- CMLS shall modify Rule 21 as follows:
Current language:
"Each member shall provide evidence to the Board annually that it
maintains Errors and Omissions insurance in an amount of $500,000.00
or greater. Failure to maintain such insurance shall result in loss of
membership if not corrected within 90 days after notice."
Modified language:
"If a Member does not have or maintain at least $500,000 in Errors
and Omissions insurance, it shall disclose that fact on each document
required to be executed in the course of creating a listing. The
Member shall also disclose that fact on the Listing Input Sheet and
CMLS will include the following statement on any publication of that
listing: 'The Listing Company for this property does not maintain
Errors and Omissions insurance.'"
C. CMLS shall deliver, to any Person who requests it and by whatever
reasonable delivery method such Person requests (including e-mail), a
complete set of materials necessary to apply for Membership, including a
complete set of CMLS's then-current Rules.
D. CMLS shall permit any Owner to submit an application for Membership
by whatever reasonable delivery method he or she desires.
E. Within three business days of completion of orientation and CMLS
system training, if needed, CMLS shall grant the Owner Membership in CMLS.
If the applicant (Member, if orientation has been completed) has
previously been trained in the use of CMLS's systems (by CMLS or another
MLS), CMLS shall immediately provide the applicant all passwords and other
information and materials necessary for him or her to submit listings to
CMLS, to access CMLS's database of listings (including confidential or
broker-to-broker information fields), and to use any product or service
provided by CMLS. If the new applicant has not previously been trained in
the use of CMLS's systems, CMLS shall provide such information and
materials after the new applicant has completed training in the use of
CMLS's systems. CMLS shall offer training in the use of its systems no
less frequently than once every two weeks, if needed.
F. CMLS shall prevent any employee, officer, director, or trustee of
CMLS who is himself or herself a Member or Licensee from viewing or
accessing listing or other agreements between a Member or Licensee and any
home buyer or home seller. Membership applications shall not request any
information concerning the business model or operations of or the
commissions or other prices to be charged by the applicant.
G. CMLS shall furnish to the Department of Justice
- a complete set of CMLS's Rules, within five business days of each
modification to those Rules; and
- a complete set of minutes of any meeting of CMLS Members or any
regular or special meeting of CMLS's Board or of any committee comprised
of members of CMLS's Board, within five business days of the approval of
such minutes (if such minutes are formally approved) or of the
finalization of such minutes (if such minutes are not formally
approved).
H. Within five business days after entry of this
Final Judgment, CMLS shall
- furnish to each Member and Licensee a hard or electronic copy of
this Final Judgment and a hard or electronic copy of CMLS's Rules
modified to conform to the provisions of this Final Judgment; and
- furnish a copy of this Final Judgment and a copy of CMLS's Rules
modified to conform to the provisions of this Final Judgment to each
Person who, in the five years preceding entry of this Final Judgment,
CMLS knows to have picked up an application for Membership or who
otherwise inquired about becoming a Member. CMLS shall also notify each
such Person that CMLS will allow any Owner, who is not prohibited from
Membership (under Rules permitted under Section VI of this Final
Judgment), to become a Member.
VI. PERMITTED CONDUCT
Subject to Section IX of this Final Judgment and notwithstanding any of
the above provisions, nothing in this Final Judgment shall prohibit CMLS
from:
A. denying Membership to or terminating the Membership of any Owner who
no longer holds, or no longer employs a Broker-in-Charge who holds, a
broker's license under Title 40, Chapter 57 of the Code of Laws of South
Carolina or who has been convicted of a crime of either a criminal sexual
nature or relating to the improper handling of funds;
B. requiring, as a condition of obtaining or maintaining Membership,
that CMLS Members certify that each Licensee affiliated with the Member
has undergone a nationwide background check and has no convictions of
either a criminal sexual nature or relating to the improper handling of
funds; and
C. disciplining, including terminating the Membership or access to CMLS
of, any Member or Licensee who violates CMLS Rules or fails to pay CMLS's
fees or dues, provided (i) that CMLS not discriminate in its
investigation or discipline of Members or Licensees for Rules violations
or failure to pay fees or dues based on the Members' or Licensees' office
locations, pricing or commission rates, business models, contractual forms
or types used, or the services or activities they perform or do not
perform for any home buyer or home seller and (ii) that it maintain
processes consistent with the requirements of § 33-31-621(b)(2) of the
Code of Laws of South Carolina.
VII. COMPLIANCE AND INSPECTION
A. For the purposes of determining or securing compliance with this
Final Judgment, or of determining whether the Final Judgment should be
modified or vacated, and subject to any legally recognized privilege, from
time to time duly authorized representatives of the Department of Justice,
including consultants and other persons retained by the United States,
shall, upon written request of a duly authorized representative of the
Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division, and on
reasonable notice to CMLS, be permitted:
- access during CMLS's office hours to inspect and copy, or at the
United States's option, to require CMLS to provide hard or electronic
copies of, all books, ledgers, accounts, records, data and documents in
CMLS's possession, custody, or control, relating to any matters
contained in this Final Judgment; and
- to interview, either informally or on the record, CMLS's Members,
directors, trustees, officers, employees, or agents, who may have their
individual counsel present, regarding such matters. The interviews shall
be subject to the reasonable convenience of the interviewee and without
restraint or interference by CMLS.
B. Upon the written request of an authorized representative of the
Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division, CMLS shall
submit written reports or interrogatory responses, under oath if
requested, relating to any of the matters contained in this Final Judgment
as may be requested.
C. No information or documents obtained by the means provided in this
section shall be divulged by the United States to any person other than an
authorized representative of the executive branch of the United States,
except in the course of legal proceedings to which the United States is a
party (including grand jury proceedings), or for the purpose of securing
compliance with this Final Judgment, or as otherwise required by law.
D. If, at the time information or documents are furnished by CMLS to
the United States, CMLS represents and identifies in writing the material
in any such information or documents to which a claim of protection may be
asserted under Rule 26(c)(1)(G) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,
and CMLS marks each pertinent page of such material, "Subject to claim of
protection under Rule 26(c)(1)(G) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure," then the United States shall give CMLS ten calendar days
notice prior to divulging such material in any legal proceeding (other
than a grand jury proceeding).
VIII. RETENTION OF JURISDICTION
This Court retains jurisdiction to enable any party to this Final
Judgment to apply to this Court at any time for further orders and
directions as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out or construe
this Final Judgment, to modify any of its provisions, to enforce
compliance, and to punish violations of its provisions.
IX. NO LIMITATION ON GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
Nothing in this Final Judgment shall limit the right of the United
States to investigate and bring actions to prevent or restrain violations
of the antitrust laws concerning any Rule or practice adopted or enforced
by CMLS.
X. EXPIRATION OF FINAL JUDGMENT
Unless this Court grants an extension, this Final Judgment shall expire
ten years from the date of its entry.
XI. PUBLIC INTEREST DETERMINATION
Entry of this Final Judgment is in the public interest. The parties
have complied with the requirements of the Antitrust Procedures and
Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C. § 16, including making copies available to the
public of this Final Judgment, the Competitive Impact Statement, and any
comments thereon and the United States' responses to comments. Based upon
the record before the Court, which includes the Competitive Impact
Statement and any comments and response to comments filed with the Court,
entry of this Final Judgment is in the public interest.
Date: August 26, 2009 Charleston, South
Carolina |
Court approval subject to procedures set
forth in the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C.
§ 16 |
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_______________/s/________________ Sol
Blatt, Jr. United States District Judge
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