Fact-Check Section
- Official DOJ Announcement on Live Nation-Ticketmaster
S. Departmentof Justice Press Release
Confirms the May 2024 filing date and outlines key allegations against Live Nation-Ticketmaster. - My Previous Reporting on Vitamin Energy vs. 5-Hour Energy
ShotsFired: Vitamin Energy’s $1B Suit
Provides an in-depth look at the allegations and potential legal strategies. - Conwood Co., L.P. v. U.S. Tobacco Co., 290 F.3d 768 (6th Cir. 2002)
FullText of the Sixth Circuit Opinion
Offers the appellate court’s reasoning and details on exclusionary conduct, monopoly power, and treble damages. - Alternate Perspective
Ticketmaster’sOfficial Response
Contains statements from the company defending its market practices and refuting allegations of monopolistic control. - Public Statements on Monopolization
California Attorney General’s comments on broader antitrust enforcement: “We must safeguard fair competition so that consumers, musicians, and smaller businesses have an even playing field,” available via the CaliforniaDepartment of Justice - The Defendant, Bhargava (5-Hour Energy CEO) points at the gravestone of one of his late competitors and says with a chuckle, “Rest in peace.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2012/02/08/manoj-bhargavathe-mystery-monk-making-billions-with-5-hour-energy/
- In an interview, the Defendant, Bhargava admits “In this shot area we have about 92 or 93% and the next guy has just 1.5%. So it’s not really a category, it’s a brand” (5 Hour Energy) – confirming their dominance in the shot market. YouTube
