A federal judge in Los Angeles has rejected Paramount Global's request to fast-track its ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery. The case, filed in December 2024, centers on alleged anti-competitive behavior related to streaming rights distribution. The denial delays the trial, which was previously sought to begin by Q3 2025.
- Judge denied Paramount's motion to fast-track antitrust lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery
- Case alleges anti-competitive behavior over exclusive streaming rights to 18 major films (2021–2023)
- Trial now expected to begin no earlier than Q2 2026, delayed from original Q3 2025 target
- The two companies held 22% of U.S. streaming market share in 2024
- Case could set precedent for regulatory scrutiny of exclusive content licensing
- Legal outcome may influence streaming strategies across Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu
Paramount Global has been ordered to proceed with standard litigation timelines after a federal judge denied its motion to expedite the antitrust case against Warner Bros. Discovery. The lawsuit, initiated in December 2024, alleges that Warner Bros. Discovery engaged in anti-competitive practices by securing exclusive streaming rights to major film releases, thereby undermining fair market access for rival studios. The case stems from a dispute over the distribution of 18 major films released between 2021 and 2023, including titles from the DC Universe and the 'Dune' franchise. The judge cited the complexity of the case and the need for thorough discovery, including access to internal communications, financial models, and licensing agreements between the two companies. While Paramount urged the court to prioritize the case due to the rapidly evolving streaming landscape and the potential for significant market distortion, the court emphasized procedural fairness and the need for all parties to have adequate time to prepare. The trial is now expected to begin no earlier than Q2 2026. The outcome impacts not only the two companies involved but also the broader media and streaming sector. With Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery collectively accounting for over 22% of the U.S. streaming market share in 2024, according to internal data, the case could set a precedent for how exclusive content deals are scrutinized under antitrust laws. Analysts note that a ruling in favor of Paramount could lead to changes in licensing practices across the industry, affecting Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Warner Bros. Discovery’s legal team has stated that the company remains confident in its compliance with federal competition regulations. Meanwhile, Paramount’s leadership has signaled it will continue to pursue all available legal avenues, including a potential appeal of the decision. The extended timeline may also influence the companies’ strategic decisions in upcoming content acquisitions and joint venture negotiations.