Attorney General Charity Clark announced today that Vermont has joined an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation-Ticketmaster. The lawsuit, originally filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and state partners, accuses Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, of forming an illegal monopoly and engaging in anti-competitive practices to maintain that monopoly. Attorney General Clark’s office has been investigating Live Nation-Ticketmaster since May.
“Competition is vital to a healthy economy, including in the live music industry,” said Attorney General Clark. “Live Nation-Ticketmaster has engaged in anticompetitive conduct that has ensured its dominance in the live concert and ticketing markets – at the expense of Vermont consumers, workers, and businesses. Their conduct makes live music less accessible for fans, artists, and the industry that supports them, and that is a shame.”
The amended complaint alleges that Live Nation-Ticketmaster unlawfully exercises its monopoly power in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. According to the complaint, this conduct deprives U.S. music fans of ticketing innovation and forces them to use outdated technology while paying more for tickets than fans in other countries. Additionally, it claims that Live Nation-Ticketmaster wields its power over performers, venues, and independent promoters in ways detrimental to competition. The company is also accused of imposing barriers to competition that limit the entry and expansion of rivals.
The lawsuit was initially filed in May in the United States District Court for Southern District of New York by the DOJ and its state partners.
To file a complaint regarding Live Nation-Ticketmaster or view a copy of the amended complaint, please visit the appropriate online resources.
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