The Department of Justice (DoJ) has opposed Live Nation's request to transfer their antitrust case from New York to Washington D.C., emphasizing that the existing consent decree is not relevant to this legal battle.

Photo Credit: Timo Wagner

The DoJ maintains that this case does not seek to modify or enforce the 2010 consent decree (amended in 2020). Instead, it focuses on new allegations of anticompetitive behavior across multiple sectors of the live music industry.

The lawsuit, filed by the United States, 29 states, and D.C., alleges that Live Nation and Ticketmaster have established monopolistic control over live music delivery in America. Key allegations include:

• Maintaining illegal monopolies in primary ticketing, concert promotion, and large amphitheaters
• Using long-term exclusive contracts to restrict competition
• Forcing artists to purchase Live Nation's promotion services to access large venues

The DoJ argues that New York is the optimal venue for the case, citing several factors:

• New York's significance as a major live music industry hub
• Presence of Ticketmaster's competitors
• Location of numerous relevant venues and witnesses
• Live Nation's largest office outside California

The case extends beyond consent decree violations, encompassing:

• Acquisitions of competing businesses
• Secondary ticketing market manipulation
• Anti-competitive agreements
• Forced access to competitor data
• Restrictive exclusive agreements

The ultimate decision on venue transfer remains with the New York judge, as this case represents a significant challenge to Live Nation/Ticketmaster's market dominance in the live entertainment industry.

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