SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Amended complaints have reportedly been filed against both Genius Sports and Sportradar from SportsCastr Inc. (PANDA Interactive).
Adding what has been described as parallel antitrust claims to its ongoing patent infringement lawsuit – first filed in October 2023 – the company asserts that the defendants ‘unlawfully tied access to the official sports data they exclusively control with their own betting technology’.
By doing so, PANDA emphasised that the brands are limiting consumer choice whilst suppressing competition.
In more detail, Chairman of PANDA Interactive, Donald Schupak, commented: “The Defendants’ bullying takes bad behavior to new heights – illegally using our own patented technology against us by packaging it with their platform, tying it to their exclusive data, and effectively shutting the door to fair competition.”
However, Sportradar told SBC News: “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.”
The original lawsuit accused the businesses of using Panda’s patents including Genius’ LiveData, LiveTrading, Genius Trading, BetVision and in-Play Multibet products.
Sportradar had also been accused of infringing Panda Interactive’s patents in its video streaming products. These consist of its Sportradar emBet, Sportradar OTT and Sportradar Live Channel Trading brands.
As mentioned, Panda Interactive has now amended its complaints to suggest that Genius Sports and Sportradar had blocked new competitors in the market – alleging that the two parties are engaging in anticompetitive conduct.
This includes coercing sportsbooks into using its technology as a condition for accessing essential, real-time league data, which it exclusively controls through partnerships with sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB and the NCAA, to name a few.
“No company should have its own proprietary technology used against it to reinforce an anti-competitive scheme,” added Andrew Schupak, PANDA Interactive’s Chief Strategy Officer.
“A fair and open market fosters competition, drives progress, and benefits everyone—sportsbooks, media companies, and consumers alike. This case is about leveling the playing field for everyone.”
Now, PANDA is looking for a court order preventing the firms from engaging in more anticompetitive practices. The developer is also pursuing damages for the ‘ongoing and accelerating harm’ caused by the unlawful conduct.
Kevin April, PANDA Interactive CEO, highlighted the significance of the lawsuit by suggesting “the facts speak for themselves – this action is a necessary response.”
He suggested that PANDA isn’t the only company that is skeptical of the ongoing actions: “Many in the industry are raising concerns about how Genius Sports and Sportradar operate, and their strong-arm tactics have coerced the market at the expense of all layers of sport.”
