Panda Interactive accuses competitors of anti-competitive practices
Panda Interactive Initiates Legal Action Against Sportradar and Genius Sports for Anti-Competitive Practices
In a significant move within the gambling and sports betting industry, Panda Interactive has filed complaints against Sportradar and Genius Sports, alleging anti-competitive practices that undermine market fairness. This lawsuit, submitted in October 2023 in the Texas Eastern District Court, accuses these two prominent sports technology companies of infringing on Panda’s proprietary patents related to low latency, interactive sports streaming and betting technologies.
Patented Innovations in Sports Streaming
Panda Interactive has developed a suite of innovative patents focused on enhancing the user experience in the sports streaming and live data verticals. These technologies empower players to engage with live betting opportunities while viewing real-time odds. The company claims that both Sportradar and Genius Sports have “wilfully” infringed on these patented solutions, compromising the competitive landscape of the sports betting domain.
Allegations of Broader Patent Infringement
Further claims from Panda suggest that a significant portion of Sportradar and Genius Sports’ service offerings improperly utilize Panda’s intellectual property. Specifically, the lawsuit points to several of Genius’ products, including LiveData, LiveTrading, Genius Trading, BetVision, and in-Play Multibet, as being in violation of Panda’s patents.
Similarly, Sportradar has been implicated in this legal battle, with accusations that its streaming products—including Sportradar emBet, Sportradar OTT, and Sportradar Live Channel Trading—are also derived from Panda’s patented methodologies.
Amendments to Legal Complaints
On March 3, 2023, Panda Interactive amplified its allegations by amending its complaints to indicate that Sportradar and Genius Sports have engaged in practices detrimental to emerging competitors. It further accused these companies of coercing sportsbooks into exclusively using their technology under the guise of accessing crucial real-time sports data facilitated through their partnerships with major sports leagues. Accordingly, Panda is seeking a court order to prevent Genius Sports and Sportradar from perpetuating these alleged anti-competitive behaviors.
Executive Commentary Highlights Industry Concerns
Donald Schupak, Chairman of Panda Interactive, criticized the conduct of the defendants: “The defendants’ bullying takes bad behavior to new heights—illegally using our own patented technology against us by packaging it with their platform and tying it to their exclusive data, effectively shutting the door to fair competition.”
Echoing this sentiment, Panda’s CEO, Kevin April, emphasized that the lawsuit was an imperative response to the troubling practices observed: “Many in the industry have raised concerns about how Genius Sports and Sportradar operate. Their strong-arm tactics have coerced the market at the expense of all layers of sport.”
Defendant’s Position
While Sportradar has refrained from providing a detailed comment on the ongoing litigation, a spokesperson stated: “Like most commercial enterprises, we do not comment on pending litigation matters—even unfounded litigation. That said, we can assure you that we operate our business in compliance with existing laws and regulations. We are confident in our defense of this matter and intend to defend these allegations vigorously.”
Panda Interactive has enlisted the legal expertise of King & Spalding, a prominent U.S. law firm, to represent it in this critical legal battle, highlighting the serious implications this case holds for the future of competition in the sports technology and betting landscape.
