Viamedia says court revives antitrust suit against Comcast

In 2016, Viamedia filed a lawsuit alleging that Comcast had violated federal and state antitrust and tort laws by forcing competing cable TV providers to purchase local advertising representation services from Comcast as a condition of participation in joint selling arrangements for regional advertising (aka "Interconnects").

Viamedia claims that Comcast has used and continues to use its monopoly power over Interconnects to drive Viamedia out of business in geographic markets where Viamedia competed with Comcast in providing cable advertising representation services, harming competition as well as video program distributors (aka "MVPDs"), advertisers, and consumers. Section 2 of the Sherman Act condemns such conduct.

Based on reports from experts during discovery, Viamedia seeks damages of approximately $160 million, which is subject to trebling under the antitrust laws, plus pre-judgment interest.

In 2016, the district court granted Comcast's motion to dismiss with respect to Viamedia's refusal-to-deal claim, and in 2018 it granted summary judgment to Comcast with respect to Viamedia's exclusive dealing and tying claims.

Viamedia appealed the final judgment dismissing its claims.

After briefing and oral argument, the Seventh Circuit reversed the district court's dismissal of Viamedia's claims, concluding that "Viamedia's allegation and evidence are sufficient to state and support claims that should be presented to a jury."