Texas Judge Rules Infringement Case Against Sportradar Can Proceed

A patent infringement lawsuit filed against Sportradar by PANDA Interactive was granted approval to proceed by a judge earlier this week, a newly released report suggests.

PANDA Interactive Sues Sportradar, Alleging Patent Infringement

The case was filed by PANDA Interactive back in October as the company took legal action against Genius Sports and Sportradar, alleging that they breached its patent related to interactive streaming technology.

In its legal claim, PANDA argued that it developed proprietary “pioneering technology long before online sports betting was even legal in the US.” Moreover, the company alleged that the two companies, infringed on its patent and capitalized on its “groundbreaking work.”

It’s important to note that Sportradar and Genius Sports face separate lawsuits, both filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Previously, Sportradar asked the court to transfer the case to Delaware, where it may have an advantage. Alternatively, the leading gaming software provider also sought to dismiss the legal case.

The Court Has Jurisdiction over the Case

However, as announced by NEXT.io, Judge Rodney Gilstrap disagreed with Sportradar’s claim that the court did not have personal jurisdiction over the company. The Judge issued a 21-page ruling, explaining in detail that the plaintiff had adequately demonstrated Sportradar’s “minimum contracts” in Texas, thus validating the court’s jurisdiction.

What’s more, Judge Gilstrap acknowledged that Sportradar has established agreements with leagues and sports teams in Texas. At the same time, he pointed to data suggesting that the company’s products are used by Texas residents who wager in nearby states.

Previously, Sportradar argued it would be better for the case to be reviewed in Delaware. However, Judge Gilstrap reportedly disagreed with this request. At the same time, he pointed to the second lawsuit filed by PANDA, explaining that a transfer to another court may result in a difference in the rulings.

“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.“

Donald Schupak, chairman at PANDA Interactive

Donald Schupak, PANDA Interactive’s chairman, spoke about the significant investments of the company in its technology. Upon filing the lawsuit, he explained that PANDA cannot simply let others infringe on its patents and use its technology. Schupak also said that no company wants to see its technology used against it.