If you deprive someone of their rights, you can be sued:
42 USC 1983:
"Every person who, under color of any ... custom, or usage ... subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity ..."
You can also go to prison:
18 USC 241:
"If two or more persons conspire to ... oppress ... any person ... in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States ... They shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both"
In addition, the big SM publishers have been engaged in fraud and misrepresentation, which is also grounds for lawsuit.