Genius Sports Takes SportsCastr To Court For Video Tech Patent Infringement

Genius Sports has filed a lawsuit against SportsCastr Inc., the firm behind the PANDA Interactive brand, alleging patent infringement on its live sports broadcast technology.

The case was filed in the Southern District of New York on 11 May and centres on three patents originally developed by Second Spectrum, which Genius acquired in 2021. These patents, numbered 10,769,446, 11,120,271 and 11,373,405, relate to systems overlaying real-time graphics, analytics and interactive elements onto live sports video.

Allegations focus on PANDA Studio software

Genius claims that SportsCastr’s PANDA Studio product uses this technology without authorisation. According to the filing: “[Panda] imports, offers for sale, sells, distributes, and/or uses in the United States the infringing product (‘Accused Product’), and encourages others to use the Accused Product in an infringing manner.

“The Accused Product includes, at least, PANDA Studio, including PANDA Studio software alone and/or in combination with hardware (e.g., personal computers, mobile phones, tablets, or servers) that executes the PANDA Studio software.”

Genius argues that PANDA Studio performs the same functions covered by its patents. Hence it is seeking a permanent injunction, treble damages for alleged wilful infringement, and recovery of legal costs. Law firm Kirkland & Ellis is representing Genius in the case.

Dispute follows earlier settled litigation

The legal action comes after a previous dispute between the companies. In 2023, SportsCastr filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Genius, which also involved Sportradar. 

That case was settled earlier this year, with both parties filing a motion on 13 February 2026 stating that “all matters in controversy between the Parties in Case No. 2:23-cv-00472-JRG” had been resolved. The new lawsuit reverses the roles, placing SportsCastr as the defendant.

Technology origins and competitive positioning

The patents at the centre of the case originate from Second Spectrum, a company founded in 2013 by two computer science professors. It became the NBA’s official optical tracking provider during the 2017/18 season. The company has also worked with major leagues including the English Premier League and Major League Soccer.

Genius Sports integrated this technology into its GeniusIQ platform in 2024, strengthening its position in data-driven sports engagement. SportsCastr, founded in 2017 by Kevin April, launched PANDA Studio in 2020 as a tool for interactive broadcast experiences. 

Genius has highlighted the timeline gap, arguing that PANDA’s product was built on technology it did not develop. The filing also details SportsCastr’s operations to establish New York as the appropriate jurisdiction for the case. SportsCastr has not publicly responded to the complaint.

Genius Sports is suing Panda Studio from SportsCastr for allegedly using their proprietary tech in its products without consent. The company seeks a permanent injunction and payment of treble damages and legal costs. It will be interesting to see how this legal battle unfolds.