Paramount Skydance on Friday urged a federal judge to set its high-stakes antitrust trial for November, arguing that further delays would harm the entertainment industry and consumers. A coalition of states and the Writers Guild of America, by contrast, requested a trial date in April 2027 to allow more time for discovery, according to Variety.
The timing carries significant financial weight for Paramount. Beginning September 30, the company faces daily payments of $7 million to Warner Bros. shareholders until the $111 billion merger is completed. Paramount contends that any delay extends uncertainty across the creative industry, affecting professionals deciding on projects and ultimately harming consumers.
The states, including California and New York as part of a 12-state coalition, are seeking additional time to gather documents and depose Paramount executives. The trial, expected to last two to three weeks in federal court in Oakland, is likely to hinge heavily on expert economic testimony.
The states filed their lawsuit on July 13, alleging that the proposed $111 billion merger would unlawfully reduce competition in the basic cable and theatrical distribution markets. Paramount has countered that the combination would strengthen competition against dominant streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, ultimately benefiting consumers.
Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin earlier issued a temporary restraining order blocking the deal from closing for 28 days. The states had been expected to seek a preliminary injunction, but Paramount last week agreed to pause the transaction until trial, effectively conceding that an injunction was likely.
The state lawsuit has emerged as an unexpected hurdle for the merger, which received clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice in June. Regulators in the European Union, Australia, China, and numerous other jurisdictions have also approved the transaction.
The court has not yet ruled on the competing scheduling requests.
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