Live Nation and Ticketmaster face new lawsuit over mobile ticketing tech · News ⟋ RA
- EChanging Barcode LLC claims Ticketmaster’s SafeTix system infringes its rotating-barcode patent.
- Live Nation and its ticketing subsidiary Ticketmaster are facing another federal lawsuit over their mobile ticketing technology.
In a complaint filed yesterday, October 29th, in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, EChanging Barcode LLC accused Ticketmaster’s SafeTix platform of infringing US Patent No. 9,047,715. The patent covers rotating, encrypted barcodes designed to prevent ticket fraud through screenshots, Bloomberg reports.
The case revives earlier allegations against Ticketmaster that were withdrawn last year. EChanging, partly owned by inventor Alan Amron, is also pursuing a separate lawsuit in the same court against Major League Baseball’s digital media division over the same patent.
Never far from controversy, it’s the second time Live Nation and Ticketmaster have been sued in as many months. The Federal Trade Commission, along with seven states, accused the companies of employing illegal ticket resale tactics and costing consumers millions of dollars in the process.
Live Nation also drew criticism from the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF). The not-for-profit trade association formally called for the break-up of the entertainment giant, arguing that its combined market power undermines independent promoters and stifles competition.
We’ll continue to report on this story as it unfolds.
