What Happened
Live Nation and Ticketmaster have filed a motion to pause an upcoming antitrust trial initiated by the Department of Justice (DOJ). This motion requests a federal judge to delay proceedings while two legal questions are reviewed by an appeals court. The DOJ has responded by labeling this request a “desperate plea” and has urged the court to proceed with the trial as scheduled.
Why It Matters
The trial, set to begin with jury selection on March 2, addresses allegations that Live Nation and Ticketmaster maintain a monopoly over the live entertainment industry. While some claims against Live Nation were dismissed, significant allegations regarding Ticketmaster’s exclusive venue contracts and the tying of access to amphitheaters to promotion services remain. The DOJ argues that any delay would allow Live Nation to continue alleged anticompetitive practices that harm the public.
What’s Next
Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to rule on Live Nation’s request for a delay soon, although he has indicated he is likely to deny it. The trial is poised to be a landmark case in the ongoing scrutiny of monopolistic practices in the live entertainment sector, following two years of investigation by the DOJ.
You may also like
