Panda Interactive has filed two separate lawsuits in the Texas Eastern District Court accusing Genius Sports and Sportradar of patent infringement.
The suits claim Sportradar and Genius, which are both Panda competitors, implemented the company’s video streaming technology patents without authorisation.
Panda said it had developed several patents in the live data and content streaming verticals. These include technology that allows viewers to see live odds and place a bet while watching sports.
The company say competitors have “widely copied” its patents in the streaming market generally, and even more so in the online sports betting market.
“We have made substantial investments in the development of our technology and cannot tolerate having our patented technology used unfairly by others and against us,” said Panda chairman Donald Schupak.
“No one wants to see their own arsenal used against them in battle.”
Sportradar and Genius accused of patent infringement
The filings also allege large swathes of the sports technology suppliers’ businesses are using Panda’s patents. These include Genius’ LiveData, LiveTrading, Genius Trading, BetVision and in-Play Multibet products.
Sportradar are also accused of infringing the patent in its video streaming products. These comprise its Sportradar emBet, Sportradar OTT and Sportradar Live Channel Trading brands.
Panda argues that through Sportradar’s and Genius’ “illegal and unauthorised” use of its patented technology the businesses have seen significantly increased profits, revenue, market capital and market share.
As such, Panda claims it has lost sales and profits. It argues it has suffered “irreparable harm” including lost market share and goodwill.
“The confluence of media and sports betting is essential to the future of the fan-viewing experience,” added Panda CEO Kevin April.
“Panda developed its pioneering technology long before online sports betting was even legal in the US. Sportradar and Genius Sports are infringing on our patents and capitalising on our groundbreaking work.”
iGB reached out to Sportradar and Genius for comment. Sportradar said it is company policy not to comment on pending litigation.
Sportradar – Genius dispute
Last year, the defendants were themselves engaged in a legal dispute.
This concerned whether Genius and Football DataCo’s (FDC) deal granting the supplier exclusive rights to collect, license and distribute live data from the Premier League, the Football League and Scottish Professional Football League was anti-competitive.
After years of litigation the two parties agreed a settlement in October 2022. Under the terms of the deal, Sportradar was granted a sub-licence that allowed access to a delayed secondary feed until 2024.
In return, the business agreed to cease its unauthorised in-stadium data collection activities.
