The remedies phase of Live Nation’s antitrust trial with more than 30 states -- which determined the company acted as an illegal monopoly at the federal and state level -- could start as early as next month, according to a proposed schedule submitted to the presiding judge.
On April 15, a federal jury determined that Live Nation and its ticketing subsidiary, Ticketmaster, acted as a monopoly in the live events space. The decision brought an end to a nearly two-year process that started with an initial lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and the majority of U.S. states.
Sent in late Friday, the following dates now require the approval of Judge Arun Subramanian:
- May 21 -- Defendants’ opening briefs
- June 18 -- Plaintiff states’ opposition briefs
- July 2 -- Defendants’ reply briefs
- July 9 or later -- Hearing on post-trial briefs
The submitting sides also sought guidance on other components of the remaining schedule. Lingering sticking points include some post-trial motions from Live Nation, one of which is a move to strike the testimony of Rosa Abrantes-Metz from the record. The economist and consultant was used by the states to provide economic analysis and estimated that fans were likely paying more because of Live Nation’s competitive advantage. Live Nation disputed Abrantes-Metz projected price increase of $1.56 to $1.72 extra per ticket.
Potential remedies could include structural business changes, such as a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, how terms and agreements can be navigated, or whether monetary damages will be required. The DOJ reached a settlement agreement with Live Nation following the first week of the antitrust trial.
