The ruling keeps the rate at 9.1 cents per song.

Apple Inc. had threatened to shutter its iTunes store if an increase in the rate jeopardized its profitability based on a price of 99 cents per song.

The board also set a new rate of 24 cents for each ringtone.

The decision, which was not immediately made public, was confirmed by the National Music Publishers' Association, which represented songwriters in the case.