{KXLG – South Dakota} South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has taken a significant step in addressing alleged monopolistic practices in the live concert industry. Jackley recently announced that he has joined a civil antitrust lawsuit alongside the U.S. Justice Department and 40 other Attorneys General against Live Nation-Ticketmaster.
The lawsuit alleges that Live Nation-Ticketmaster has engaged in monopolization and other unlawful conduct, violating Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act. According to Attorney General Jackley, the company’s actions have adversely affected nationwide concert-goers. “Live Nation-Ticketmaster is monopolizing live concert markets,” Jackley stated. “This anticompetitive conduct not only increases ticket prices for South Dakotans but also makes it more challenging for music enthusiasts to attend live performances.”
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Southern New York. Plaintiffs seek remedies to address the alleged illegal acts committed by Live Nation-Ticketmaster. These remedies include:
- Adjudication and Decree: The plaintiffs request that the court find Live Nation violating the Sherman Act by unlawfully maintaining its monopoly in various concert-related services, including primary ticketing services, concert bookings, and promotion.
- Divestiture and Relief: The court is asked to order the divestiture of Ticketmaster and provide additional relief necessary to address anticompetitive harm.
- Termination of Agreements: Live Nation’s exclusive primary ticketing contracts with significant concert venues are under scrutiny, and the court may order their termination.
- Enjoining Anticompetitive Practices: The court should enjoin Live Nation from continuing practices that harm competition.
- Treble Damages: Plaintiffs seek treble damages for individuals who suffered property injury due to purchasing tickets from Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
- Civil Penalties and Costs: States involved in the lawsuit may be awarded civil penalties or civil forfeiture, along with costs incurred in bringing the action.
Plaintiffs demand a trial by jury for all relevant issues in this case, as per Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 38(b).
The lawsuit aims to restore competitive conditions in the live music industry and hold Live Nation-Ticketmaster accountable for its alleged anticompetitive behavior.
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