Live Nation Antitrust Lawsuit Moves Forward as Federal Judge Denies Dismissal Motion
Live Nation's antitrust lawsuit with the Department of Justice (DOJ) will proceed after a federal judge denied the company's motion to dismiss. The lawsuit, filed by the DOJ and 30 state attorneys general, centers on allegations of monopolistic control over performance venues across the United States.
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US District Judge Arun Subramanian found sufficient evidence for "tying" claims, where Live Nation allegedly requires artists to use their concert-promotion services to access Live Nation-operated venues. The company currently controls approximately 80% of primary ticketing at major concert venues and 70% of large amphitheater productions.
Key points from the ruling:
- The judge identified clear tying between amphitheaters and Live Nation's concert-promotion services
- Live Nation's argument that artists can work with rival promoters was rejected
- The court found that artists are effectively coerced into using Live Nation as their promoter
- Promoters book venues on behalf of artists, making artists the primary purchasers of both services
The ruling states that if evidence shows artists are forced to use Live Nation as their promoter to access venues, prosecutors may have a viable tying claim. This decision marks a significant step in the ongoing antitrust battle against the largest promoter of national amphitheater tours.
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