Category: Antitrust Laws and Competition Issues

Video Game Workers at Microsoft and Activision Take Steps to Unionize

The New York Times – Business:
Microsoft has remained neutral during a labor organizing bid as the Xbox maker seeks regulatory approval for its Activision acquisition.
Taylor Swift Fans Sue Ticketmaster’s Parent Company

The New York Times – Music:
In a lawsuit filed on Friday in a California court, a group of 26 fans said Ticketmaster had engaged in anticompetitive conduct.
Chaos Over Taylor Swift Ticket Sales Prompts a Senate Hearing

The New York Times – Business:
A committee led by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota will examine the ticketing industry after failures last week frustrated millions of the superstar’s fans.
Can Big Tech Get Bigger? Microsoft Presses Governments to Say Yes.

The New York Times – Business:
Microsoft’s $69 billion deal for Activision Blizzard, which is undergoing reviews in 16 countries, has become a test for whether tech giants can buy companies amid a backlash.
Ticketmaster’s Parent Company Said to Face Justice Department Investigation

The New York Times – Music:
The inquiry predates the botched presale of Taylor Swift tickets this week and is said to focus on whether Live Nation has abused its power in the live music industry.
Lawmakers Criticize Ticketmaster After Taylor Swift Presale Snafus

The New York Times – Music:
Several Democratic House members said the company has become too much of a monopoly since its merger with Live Nation in 2010.
Google Agrees to $392 Million Privacy Settlement With 40 States

The New York Times – Business:
Under the agreement, which state attorneys general said was the largest U.S. internet privacy settlement, Google must also make its location-tracking practices clearer to users.
In Fashion Industry, a Fine Line Between Collaboration and Collusion

The New York Times – Business:
Adhering to antitrust regulation while negotiating collective sustainability targets is proving tougher to navigate for some in the fashion industry.
Attorneys General Sue to Stop Dividend Tied to Kroger-Albertsons Deal

The New York Times – Business:
The suit could portend other regulatory battles to come as the supermarket chains look to close their nearly $25 billion merger.
Meta Quarterly Earnings: Profit Declines With Losses in Reality Labs

The New York Times – Business:
The social networking company, which is trying to shift into the so-called metaverse, posted falling sales and said it was “making significant changes” to operate more efficiently.
Augusta National and U.S.G.A. Drawn Into Justice Department Antitrust Inquiry

The New York Times – Sports:
The Justice Department is investigating the PGA Tour for anticompetitive behavior in its dealings with LIV Golf, the breakaway Saudi-backed league.
Spotify Wants to Get Into Audiobooks but Says Apple Is in the Way

The New York Times – Business:
Apple has rejected Spotify’s new app three times from its App Store. It is the latest in a series of confrontations between the two companies.