Press Release: Antitrust: Commission closes probe into Hollywood studios after they change terms of contracts for digitisation of European cinemas

The European Commission in March 2011 closed an antitrust investigation concerning the digitisation of European cinemas after several major US Hollywood film studios revised contract provisions relating to the financing and installation of digital projection equipment in cinemas.

The Commission had concerns that the original provisions might hinder small film distributors from getting access to digital cinemas which could be in breach of the EU rules that prohibit restrictive business practices (Article 101 of the EU Treaty). The revised provisions facilitate the release of independent and art house films in the new state-of-the-art cinemas.