CRMLS Seeks Declaratory Judgment, Files Complaint Against Compass, Inc.

CHINO HILLS, Calif., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following California Regional MLS's refusal of Compass's demands to cease enforcement of its policies concerning cooperation, CRMLS is seeking a declaratory judgment in the Southern District of New York to prove that its rules are fair, procompetitive, and legally sound.

Compass has been pursuing change to CRMLS's cooperation policies for years. In effect, CRMLS believes Compass wants to participate in and gain benefits from access to the multiple listing service while keeping its own contributions of for-sale properties off the MLS, thereby creating an unequal, disadvantaged marketplace. Most recently, in a September demand letter, Compass threatened suit against CRMLS on the misinformed basis that it violates antitrust laws. In light of these threats, CRMLS now seeks agreement in federal court that CRMLS rules ensure an open, transparent marketplace and that Compass's complaints are unjust and invalid.

CRMLS is not the only targeted entity; Compass has threatened to sue any multiple listing service that does not meet their demands that, in effect, seek to change the overall marketplace to negatively impact the consumer. To oppose such intimidation, CRMLS seeks to create the MLS Cooperation Legal Defense Fund, which will be supported by organizations and groups concerned with consumer transparency, equal listing access, and open competition, including legal-action programs, consumer advocates, attorneys, other MLSs, associations, vendors, and portals. The response to the fund has been significant, with organizations and industry leaders across the real estate community expressing interest in participating and supporting its mission.

"I want to be clear: this case is about more than defending CRMLS from a lawsuit," said CRMLS CEO Art Carter. "It is about protecting a marketplace that works for all real estate professionals and consumers. CRMLS established its rules to promote transparency, competition, and cooperation, and we believe those principles ultimately serve both the public and our broker community. Compass has rejected our reasoning and is advancing legal arguments that we believe are unfair and would allow Compass to free ride on the hard work of cooperating CRMLS subscribers – benefiting from the shared listings, data and resources of the cooperative marketplace while withholding its own publicly marketed listings from the same marketplace. We are asking the court to provide clarity and affirm that the principles of openness, transparency, and cooperation championed by CRMLS are lawful, appropriate, and equitable."

Get the facts and learn more about CRMLS's position and commitment to protecting cooperation: https://go.crmls.org/protecting-cooperation/ 

Stand with us in defense of cooperation. Email us to learn more about how you can participate: [email protected] 

Case: 1:26-cv-08796

About California Regional Multiple Listing Service 

California Regional Multiple Listing Service is the nation's most recognized subscriber-based MLS, serving more than 93,000 real estate professionals through dozens of Associations, Boards and MLS organizations. CRMLS provides its users with industry-leading products, services and data designed to support a more efficient and collaborative real estate marketplace. 

Media Contact: Art Carter, [email protected] 

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SOURCE California Regional MLS