The Quebec Superior Court has approved a class-action lawsuit against Ticketmaster, alleging that the company imposed unfair service fees on ticket purchases. Justice Eleni Yiannakis, in a decision issued on Monday, determined that the plaintiffs satisfied the requirements for a full trial and could be eligible for compensatory refunds if successful.
The class action, initiated by Montreal-based law firm Paquette Gadler, asserts that Ticketmaster’s service fees contravene Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act and the Quebec Civil Code. According to the lawsuit, Ticketmaster’s fees are not based on the actual service cost but vary according to ticket prices, a practice deemed exploitative by the law firm.
The legal action, launched in August 2024 on behalf of plaintiff Felipe Morales, encompasses Quebec residents who have purchased tickets through Ticketmaster for North American events since July 2021. Ticketmaster, a global ticket seller for concerts, sports events, and other entertainment, did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment following Monday’s verdict.