Live Nation Seeks to Delay Antitrust Trial
The company is appealing sections of the recent summary judgment
Live Nation has requested a pause in its antitrust trial against the Department of Justice.
The details:
On Sunday February 22 the entertainment giant’s lawyers filed a motion for an Interlocutory appeal that seeks to reverse some of the rulings handed down by US District Court Judge Arun Subramanian in his February 18 summary judgment.
In that judgment, Judge Subramanian dismissed the government’s claim that Live Nation’s promotion and booking business constitutes a monopoly.
He also dismissed the allegation that subsidiary business Ticketmaster is a consumer-facing monopoly.
He did, however, rule that the allegations that Live Nation exercises a monopoly over ticketing at major concert venues must go to trial.
Similarly, the claim that it illegally ties amphitheater usage to its promotion services must also proceed.
Live Nation’s lawyers argue the judge cited incorrect case law in coming to these two decisions and is appealing them, as per Pollstar.
Should their appeal be successful, the lawyers argue it will “dramatically change and substantially narrow the upcoming jury trial,” which should therefore be delayed until this appeal is heard.
Timeline:
If the trial goes ahead as planned, jury selection will begin on March 2.
The final pre-trial conference will take place on February 25, following a weather-related postponement from February 23.
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This story was written with information from Pollstar and The Hollywood Reporter.
We covered it because it’s news in the ongoing antitrust case against Live Nation.
