Ticketmaster faces Quebec class action lawsuit after court rules service fees may be unreasonable

Ticketmaster is facing a class action lawsuit in Quebec after a court ruled the case can proceed to trial. Filed in August 2024 by Paquette Gadler Inc. on behalf of Felipe Morales, the lawsuit claims Ticketmaster’s service fees violate Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act and Civil Code, arguing fees are based on ticket price rather than actual service cost. Morales’ experience attempting to purchase Bruce Springsteen tickets in 2022, where he was charged significantly more for worse seats after being removed from the initial purchase process, forms the basis of the complaint.

The lawsuit seeks to represent Canadian Ticketmaster customers who purchased tickets since July 26, 2021, potentially impacting thousands of consumers. It also highlights concerns about Live Nation Entertainment’s monopolistic control of the ticketing market. Ticketmaster defends its fees, stating they cover essential costs and are transparently displayed, with the company’s share typically being 5-7% of the ticket price.

This Quebec case is one of many legal challenges facing Ticketmaster and Live Nation, including lawsuits in the US regarding privacy concerns and anticompetitive behavior, as well as ongoing battles with the US Department of Justice attempting to break up the companies. Recent legal wins for consumers in other Ticketmaster cases, including a certified class action and progress in a case involving Taylor Swift fans, suggest a growing trend of scrutiny over the company’s practices.

(Source：The Economic Times)