Ticketmaster under fire again: Live Nation faces patent lawsuit over safeTix tech!
Ticketmaster SafeTix system faces federal patent lawsuit.
Live Nation and its ticketing arm, Ticketmaster, are facing renewed legal challenges over mobile ticketing technology. EChanging Barcode LLC filed a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York, claiming Ticketmaster’s SafeTix platform infringes on US Patent No. 9,047,715. The patent covers rotating, encrypted barcodes designed to prevent screenshot fraud, a common issue in digital ticketing.
This lawsuit revives allegations previously withdrawn last year, signaling ongoing tension in the ticketing industry. EChanging, partially owned by inventor Alan Amron, is pursuing similar claims against Major League Baseball’s digital media division, underscoring the widespread implications for ticketing platforms relying on mobile technology.
SafeTix Technology at the Center of Controversy
Ticketmaster introduced SafeTix to curb ticket fraud by generating rotating barcodes that cannot be duplicated via screenshots. While intended to protect consumers and ensure secure entry, the technology has drawn scrutiny for allegedly violating existing patents.
According to the lawsuit, the rotating-barcode system used by SafeTix is too similar to Amron’s patented method. If successful, the case could impact Ticketmaster’s operations nationwide, potentially requiring software modifications or licensing agreements to resolve patent disputes.
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Live Nation’s Legal Troubles Mount
This lawsuit is only the latest in a string of legal challenges for Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission and seven states accused the companies of illegal ticket resale practices, claiming these tactics cost consumers millions.
Additionally, the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has called for the break-up of Live Nation, arguing that its market dominance stifles competition and disadvantages smaller promoters. The SafeTix patent case adds to an already complicated legal landscape for the entertainment giant.
Industry-Wide Implications for Mobile Ticketing
Legal experts suggest the outcome could set precedent for other mobile ticketing systems. Companies using encrypted barcodes or similar technologies may face heightened scrutiny to ensure they are not infringing existing patents.
Consumer advocates emphasize the importance of secure ticketing systems to prevent fraud, but the industry must balance security with intellectual property rights. The Ticketmaster case highlights the ongoing tension between innovation and patent enforcement.
What Ticket Buyers Need to Know
For consumers, this lawsuit does not immediately affect ticket purchases or SafeTix functionality. Ticketmaster continues to operate SafeTix for concerts and events, but any future court ruling could impact software updates or ticketing practices.
Industry observers recommend buyers stay informed about potential changes in mobile ticketing policies, particularly for major events where SafeTix is widely used.
FAQ
Q1: What is the Ticketmaster SafeTix lawsuit about?
A1: The lawsuit alleges that Ticketmaster’s SafeTix mobile ticketing platform infringes US Patent No. 9,047,715, which covers rotating barcodes that prevent screenshot fraud.
Q2: Who owns the patent against Ticketmaster?
A2: The patent is partly owned by inventor Alan Amron and asserted by EChanging Barcode LLC.
Q3: Could this lawsuit affect ticket buyers?
A3: Not immediately. SafeTix continues to function, but court rulings could lead to software changes or licensing agreements in the future.
Q4: What other legal issues has Ticketmaster faced recently?
A4: Live Nation and Ticketmaster were recently accused by the FTC and seven states of illegal ticket resale practices, costing consumers millions.
Q5: How could this lawsuit impact the ticketing industry?
A5: The case could set precedent for mobile ticketing platforms using encrypted or rotating barcodes, potentially requiring licensing or technological changes across the industry.
Q6: Where was the lawsuit filed?
A6: In the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Q7: What is SafeTix technology?
A7: SafeTix is Ticketmaster’s mobile ticketing system that uses rotating, encrypted barcodes to prevent screenshot fraud and secure event entry.
