The Quebec Superior Court recently approved a class-action lawsuit against Ticketmaster, alleging excessive service fees on ticket sales. This decision came on a ruling dated Monday from Justice Eleni Yiannakis, who determined that the plaintiffs fulfilled the requirements for a full trial.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, initiated by the Montreal law firm Paquette Gadler, claims that the service fees imposed by Ticketmaster violate both Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act and the Quebec Civil Code. It argues that Ticketmaster’s fee structure varies according to ticket prices instead of reflecting the true cost of the services rendered, which the plaintiffs describe as abusive.
Key Details of the Case
- Date Filed: August 2024
- Lead Plaintiff: Felipe Morales
- Target Group: Quebec residents who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster since July 2021
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory refunds should they prevail in the case. This lawsuit highlights growing concerns regarding transparency and fairness in ticket pricing practices.
Ticketmaster’s Response
As of now, Ticketmaster has not issued a public comment regarding the court’s ruling. The company continues to be a major player in ticket sales for concerts, sports, and various entertainment events internationally.
This class-action lawsuit marks a significant development in consumer rights, especially concerning companies that manage ticket sales and associated fees. The outcome may have wider implications for how service fees are structured in the entertainment industry.
