Panda Interactive Escalates Legal Battle Against Genius Sports and Sportradar
Panda Interactive has escalated its ongoing legal dispute against Genius Sports and Sportradar by filing amended complaints that now include antitrust allegations. The lawsuit, originally initiated in October 2023, accused the two companies of willfully infringing on Panda’s patents related to low-latency interactive sports streaming and betting technology. Now, Panda asserts that the defendants have engaged in anti-competitive practices by unlawfully tying access to exclusive real-time sports data with their proprietary betting technology, thereby stifling competition and limiting consumer choice.
A Dual-Pronged Legal Challenge
The legal saga began in October 2023, when Panda Interactive accused Genius Sports and Sportradar of infringing on its patents. These patents cover technology for low-latency sports streaming and live betting—innovations Panda claims are central to its business. The original suit targeted specific products, including Genius Sports’ LiveData, LiveTrading, and BetVision, as well as Sportradar’s emBet, OTT, and Live Channel Trading offerings.
Now, Panda has broadened its case. The amended complaints allege that Genius Sports and Sportradar tie access to their exclusive, real-time sports data, secured through long-term deals with major leagues, to the use of their own betting technologies.
This practice, Panda argues, forces sportsbooks to adopt their platforms, sidelining competitors and limiting market choice.
Seeking Relief and Accountability
Panda Interactive isn’t holding back on its demands. The company seeks a court injunction to halt what it calls anticompetitive behavior by both defendants. It also requests damages for losses it claims are mounting due to these practices. The stakes are high, as Panda positions itself as a defender of fair play in an industry increasingly dominated by a handful of players.
Donald Schupak, Chairman of Panda Interactive, pulled no punches. “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,” he said.
CEO Kevin April framed the lawsuit as a necessary stand. “The facts speak for themselves—this action is a necessary response,” he stated. “Their unchecked dominance has persisted for far too long. The future of sports betting should be driven by innovation and competition, not control and coercion.”
Andrew Schupak, Chief Strategy Officer, emphasized fairness. “No company should have its own proprietary technology used against it to reinforce an anti-competitive scheme,” he said. “This case is about leveling the playing field for everyone.”
Sportradar offered a measured reply to NEXT.io. “Like most commercial enterprises, we do not comment on pending litigation matters – even unfounded litigation,” a spokesperson said. “That said, we can assure you that we operate our business in compliance with existing laws and regulations. We are confident in our defence of this matter and intend to defend these allegations vigorously.” Genius Sports has not yet publicly commented on the amended claims.
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