Texas Court Greenlights Panda Interactive’s Patent Lawsuit

Texas Court Clears Path for Panda Interactive’s Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Sportradar

In a significant legal decision, the Eastern District of Texas has ruled that Panda Interactive’s patent infringement lawsuit against Sportradar will proceed.

The lawsuit, first filed in October 2023, centers around allegations that Sportradar’s sports streaming products, which include video systems used by major sports leagues, infringe on Panda Interactive’s patents. Panda claims its groundbreaking technology, which allows users to stream sports, place bets, and view real-time odds, has been unfairly exploited. This legal battle marks a critical moment for the sports technology sector.

Judge Rodney Gilstrap rejected Sportradar’s attempt to dismiss or transfer the case to Delaware, determining that the company’s “minimum contacts” with Texas, including partnerships with Texas-based sports teams, justify the court’s jurisdiction. This decision means that the case will move forward in Texas, a venue known for being favorable to patent holders, allowing Panda Interactive to challenge Sportradar in what could be a landmark case for sports data and streaming technologies.

Sportradar, which had hoped for a more advantageous outcome in Delaware, now faces legal challenges in one of the most pro-patent jurisdictions in the U.S. The company’s request for a case transfer was also denied, as the judge argued that doing so might lead to inconsistent rulings, given a similar lawsuit filed by Panda Interactive against Genius Sports is ongoing in Texas.

Panda Interactive’s Chairman Donald Schupak emphasized the significance of the case, stating: “We have made substantial investments in developing our technology and cannot tolerate having our patented technology used unfairly by others against us.”

With the court’s ruling, Panda Interactive’s case against Sportradar will continue, potentially reshaping the landscape of sports streaming and betting technologies. This legal battle underscores the importance of patent protection in the rapidly evolving world of sports data, streaming, and betting, where innovative solutions play a crucial role.