Storytel TR was given the option to propose and implement revised practices while the investigation was underway, and it appears those proposals as implemented have been found acceptable to the Competition Authority.
Per numerous reports from Turkey, Storytel Turkey Yayıncılık Hizmetleri AŞ has committed to revised practices which put the company in compliance with Turkish regulations, and the investigation has been closed.
The investigation was originally launched following allegations that Storytel TR was violating the Law on the Protection of Competition by using exclusivity contracts to prevent/inhibit rival companies from entering Turkey’s audiobook streaming market.
Storytel TR was given the option to propose and implement revised practices while the investigation was underway, and it appears those proposals as implemented have been found acceptable to the Competition Authority.
As reported, and subject to Google Translate’s accuracy:
“Existing audio license agreements signed with publishing houses/rights holders prior to the date on which the commitments become binding and in force for one year or more will be amended to not provide Storytel with an exclusive right to produce the audiobook format of a particular book. Existing voice-over license agreements signed before the date on which the commitments become binding and in force for less than one year will be amended in a way that will not provide an exclusive right to Storytel upon the completion of the first year of the relevant agreement from the date of signature. Audio license agreements signed after the date on which the commitments become binding will not provide Storytel with an exclusive right to produce the audiobook format of a particular book. Storytel will not be granted exclusivity/full license over content distributed through content distribution agreements. Voice-over agreements will not include an obligation for voice actors to voice-over exclusively for Storytel.“
