The lawsuit claims that Ticketmaster’s service fees break Quebec’s consumer protection laws and the province’s civil code. The Associated Press
The Quebec Superior Court has given the green light to a class-action lawsuit against Ticketmaster, opening the door for thousands of consumers to challenge the company’s ticket service fees.
In a decision dated Monday, Justice Eleni Yiannakis ruled that the case meets all legal requirements to proceed to a full trial. She also confirmed that the court could order refunds if the plaintiffs succeed.
The lawsuit claims that Ticketmaster charged unfair service fees on ticket purchases made in Quebec. A Montreal-based law firm brought the case forward, arguing that these extra charges break both Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act and the Quebec Civil Code.
What the lawsuit alleges
The core issue centres on how Ticketmaster calculates its service fees. According to the claim, the company adjusts these fees based on the price of the ticket rather than the real cost of processing the sale.
The plaintiffs argue that this practice places an unfair burden on consumers, especially when buying higher-priced tickets. They say customers pay more without receiving additional services in return.
The law firm behind the case describes this pricing system as abusive and says Quebec law does not allow such fee structures.
Who is included in the class action
The class action covers Quebec residents who bought tickets through Ticketmaster for concerts, sports events, or other live shows across North America since July 2021.
The lawsuit was filed in August 2024 on behalf of Felipe Morales, who serves as the representative plaintiff. If the case succeeds, all eligible Quebec consumers could receive compensation without having to file individual lawsuits.
Justice Yiannakis stated that the claims raise serious legal questions that deserve to be examined in court, rather than dismissed at an early stage.
What happens next
The court’s decision does not decide whether Ticketmaster acted unlawfully. Instead, it allows both sides to present evidence and arguments during a full trial.
If the plaintiffs win, the court could order Ticketmaster to refund some or all of the service fees paid by class members. The ruling could also influence how ticket sellers structure fees in Quebec in the future.
Ticketmaster sells tickets for events worldwide, including major concerts and professional sports games. The company did not provide an immediate response to the court’s decision.
Why the case matters to consumers
Service fees have long frustrated ticket buyers, especially when final prices rise well above the advertised ticket cost. This case gives Quebec consumers a chance to challenge how those fees work and whether they comply with provincial law.
The outcome could bring greater transparency to ticket pricing and set clearer limits on added charges in Quebec’s entertainment market.
