Judge rejects dismissal of Ticketmaster antitrust lawsuit

A U.S. judge has denied Ticketmaster and Live Nation's request to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice. The judge found merit in claims that the companies use a coercive business model to maintain monopoly power. The lawsuit alleges that artists are forced to use Live Nation as their promoter to access large amphitheaters. The judge noted that the financial arrangements between promoters and artists require further examination. The Department of Justice aims to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster if it wins the case. A trial date has not been established.