Live Nation has previewed its dismissal arguments in response to the Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit, focusing on three key points to challenge the complaint.

The entertainment giant disputes the core tying claims, which allege that Live Nation illegally requires artists to use their promotion services when booking their amphitheaters. The company argues this mischaracterizes the situation, stating it's actually a "refusal to deal" with competitors rather than illegal tying.

Live Nation specifically challenges:

1. The characterization of their business practices as illegal tying
2. The "threadbare and conclusory" claims from 30 states
3. The timing of the claims, noting statute of limitations concerns

The company points out that the state-level plaintiffs failed to:

• Specify elements of each state-law claim
• Detail the nature of alleged violations
• Provide evidence of specific harm caused
• Demonstrate where injured parties resided when violations occurred

The case, which stems from Live Nation's 2010 merger with Ticketmaster, is expected to go to trial in 2026. Live Nation emphasizes that the original merger received approval during the Obama administration and continued under Trump's presidency with an existing consent decree.

The outcome of this legal battle remains significant for the concert industry, with Live Nation facing multiple regulatory challenges while maintaining its dominant position in live entertainment.

Related Articles

Previous Articles