US Department of Justice Sues Live Nation and Ticketmaster - Cooley
In summer 2023, fans of Taylor Swift made international headlines when they took to social media to express their outrage at the ticket-buying experience for...
www.cooley.comHere are the most notable recent developments involving lawsuits/regulatory cases around Ticketmaster and its parent, Live Nation:
FTC + states case (ticket resale/“BOTS Act” dispute)
- The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with seven states, has accused Live Nation and Ticketmaster of working with ticket brokers/resellers in ways that allegedly violate consumer protection and the Better Online Ticket Sales Act.[1][4]
- Ticketmaster has been trying to get the FTC’s case dismissed, arguing (in legal filings) that the BOTS Act applies to resellers—not ticketing platforms—so Ticketmaster should not be held liable under that statute.[3]
Private class action (customers alleging overcharging)
- Separate from the FTC matter, there have also been reports of a federal judge allowing a customer class action to proceed in which plaintiffs allege the companies overcharged consumers (including for fees) at concert venues.[9]
Earlier lawsuit signal (judge allowing parts of a customer case to move forward)
- Ticketmaster/Live Nation have faced a multi-claim customer lawsuit since 2022 related to alleged secondary-ticketing market conduct; reporting indicates a judge declined to dismiss all claims and allowed certain issues to be revised and proceed.[2]
If you tell me which angle you care about most—FTC/regulators, class actions, or court rulings/dates—I can narrow this to the latest key updates for that specific case.