Context: The 2026 men’s association football World Cup is currently taking place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, from June 11 until July 19, 2026. The tournament is run by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) with various partners, including official hospitality provider On Location Events LLC.
What’s new and direct impact: On Location has been sued for patent infringement in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware by TicketMatrix LLC.
Wider ramifications: One can assume it’s no coincidence that this complaint has been filed just as the World Cup reaches its feverish final stages; though it’s worth noting that On Location’s partnerships also include several other major sporting events.
Via its online platform, Delaware-based On Location sells event hospitality packages which it claims “create experiences that go beyond the ticket, connecting fans to the action, the athletes, and the energy that makes live events unforgettable”.
At the 2026 World Cup, these match packages can include enhanced seating and viewing, premium food and beverage options, and group experiences.
On Location also serves as an official hospitality partner for American football’s SuperBowl LXI, golf’s 2027 Ryder Cup, and the 2028 Olympic Games.
According to its complaint, TicketMatrix is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Complaint
Patent-in-suit
U.S. Patent No. 7,831,452 (“Systems and methods for providing enhanced player’s ticket features”)
Accused instrumentalities
Exhibits filed alongside TicketMatrix’s complaint broadly implicate features of On Location’s online platform including, among others:
- “Multiple ticket options determining match admissions”
- “‘Follow My Team’ options… that reference at least one team”
- Tracking of “user-related data, browsing history, team participation details, etc”
Counsel
TicketMatrix LLC is represented by Silverman, McDonald & Friedman’s Brian E. Lutness; and Rabicoff Law’s Isaac Rabicoff.