Ticketmaster is an illegal monopoly, jury rules

Live Nation-Ticketmaster is an illegal monopoly, a Manhattan jury has ruled, according to Bloomberg. The jury found the company liable on three counts: illegally monopolizing the live event and amphitheater ticket market, associating its concert promotional business with the use of its venues; Bloomberg I mentioned.

The ruling, reached after several days of deliberations, leaves the live entertainment giant open to the possibility of a breakup — which was tantamount to Declared goal The lawsuit dates back to when it was filed by the Biden administration’s Department of Justice. Such a result would go much further Settlement Which the Trump administration’s Justice Department reached with Live Nation one week after the trial. However, Judge Arun Subramanian could choose remedies short of separation, and any outcome would likely be the subject of an appeal. Subramanian will also decide the company’s total damages based on the jury’s finding that Ticketmaster overcharged consumers $1.72 per ticket, he said. New York Times.

The trial lasted about six weeks, including a week-long break as the states returned to the negotiating table after the Justice Department settled its claims with the company. Ultimately, 34 of the 40 prosecutors who went to trial decided to pursue the case, seeking a broader outcome than the feds achieved, which included agreements requiring Live Nation to unload exclusive booking arrangements at 13 amphitheatres, and capping Ticketmaster fees.

Jurors heard from CEOs of Living Nation Including CEO Michael Rapinoe, artists and their employees like Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett and Drake’s manager Adel Nour, and competitors like SeatGeekand executives of concert venues such as Former CEO of Barclays Center in Brooklyn. States I painted a picture A company that has used implicit threats to pull concerts unless venues use its ticketing services, and with such widespread access to outdoor amphitheaters that it would be impossible for artists to tour the United States without going through Live Nation. The company responded that it provided outstanding service, was recognized by some customers who had testified, and competed aggressively for business.

This story is evolving.