Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Loss Contingency [Abstract]

Contingencies

Contingencies

Legal and Regulatory Matters. In 2013, the CFTC filed suit against NYMEX and two former employees (the "NYMEX Defendants") alleging disclosure of confidential customer information in violation of the Commodity Exchange Act. On June 3, 2020, the parties informed the Court that the CFTC's Division of Enforcement and the NYMEX Defendants had reached an agreement in principle to resolve the matter, subject to final approval by the CFTC. On July 31, 2020, the parties informed the Court that the CFTC had approved the agreed-upon settlement and further requested that the court enter an order implementing the agreed-upon resolution. The company expects the court to enter the order shortly, which will not be material to the company.

In 2003, the U.S. Futures Exchange, L.L.C. (Eurex U.S.) and U.S. Exchange Holdings, Inc. filed suit in federal court alleging that CBOT and CME violated the antitrust laws and tortuously interfered with the business relationship and contract between Eurex U.S. and The Clearing Corporation. On October 31, 2018, the district court granted CBOT's and CME's motion for summary judgment and dismissed the case in its entirety. On March 23, 2020, the Seventh Circuit affirmed the decision of the district court.

In the normal course of business, the company discusses matters with its regulators raised during regulatory examinations or otherwise subject to their inquiry and oversight. These matters could result in censures, fines, penalties or other sanctions. Management believes the outcome of any resulting actions will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, the company is unable to predict the outcome or the timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters, or the potential fines, penalties or injunctive or other equitable relief, if any, that may result from these matters.

In addition, the company is a defendant in, and has potential for, various other legal proceedings arising from its regular business activities. While the ultimate results of such proceedings against the company cannot be predicted with certainty, the company believes that the resolution of any of these matters on an individual or aggregate basis will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

As of June 30, 2020, an accrual of $4.0 million was recognized for probable and estimable legal and regulatory issues. No accrual was required as of December 31, 2019.

Intellectual Property Indemnifications. Certain agreements with customers and other third parties related to accessing the CME Group platforms, utilizing market data services and licensing CME SPAN software may contain indemnifications from intellectual property claims that may be made against them as a result of their use of the applicable products and/or services. The potential future claims relating to these indemnifications cannot be estimated and therefore no liability has been recorded.