● Covered by 2 sources · 3 reportsLow impact2 negative1 neutral
FlightAware Drops Lawsuit Against Kalshi Over Flight Cancellation Prediction Markets
Key points
- FlightAware sued Kalshi for unauthorized use of its data and branding.
- Kalshi offered markets on flight cancellations, allegedly using FlightAware data.
- FlightAware claimed it was not informed and sent a cease-and-desist letter.
- The lawsuit was filed in New York and sought damages and an injunction.
- FlightAware voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit one day after filing it.
Lawsuit Filed and Withdrawn
FlightAware, a real-time flight tracking service, filed a lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi. The suit alleged that Kalshi used FlightAware's data and name without authorization to operate betting markets on flight cancellations.
Just one day after filing, FlightAware voluntarily dismissed the case "without prejudice against all defendants." Neither company has publicly stated the reason for the withdrawal or any changes in their relationship.
Allegations of Unauthorized Data Use
FlightAware claimed Kalshi began offering users the ability to bet on flight cancellations about a month prior to the lawsuit. The flight tracker stated that Kalshi displayed FlightAware's branding and information, and continued to do so even after FlightAware demanded they stop.
According to the lawsuit, FlightAware was "never informed" that Kalshi would rely on its data to determine the outcome of these betting markets and only became aware of them through media reports.
Demands and Damages Sought
FlightAware's lawsuit, filed in New York, sought damages and a permanent injunction to prevent Kalshi from further using its data. The company alleged that Kalshi's actions violated its terms, used its trademark, and harmed its reputation.
Kalshi is also currently facing a separate lawsuit from the New York Attorney General for allegedly running an illegal gambling operation.
Changes in Kalshi's Presentation
Following the lawsuit's dismissal, Reuters noted some changes in how Kalshi presents flight cancellation information on its platform. Previously, Kalshi stated that flight cancellations were "verified from FlightAware," which FlightAware specifically contested in its lawsuit.
Kalshi now states that outcomes are "verified from Primary Source Agency" while still linking to FlightAware's website. The platform also includes a disclaimer that the market and products "have not" been endorsed by FlightAware.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Flight tracking company FlightAware voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi a day after filing it. The lawsuit had claimed Kalshi was using FlightAware's data to operate a gambling market, which FlightAware alleged damaged its reputation and violated its terms of use.
Flight tracking service FlightAware has filed a lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi, alleging unauthorized use of its data and trademark to operate gambling markets. FlightAware seeks damages and a permanent injunction, claiming Kalshi continued using its data despite a cease-and-desist letter and without permission.
FlightAware, a real-time flight tracker, is suing prediction market platform Kalshi for allegedly using its data and branding without authorization to operate flight cancellation betting markets. FlightAware claims Kalshi's markets could pose safety risks by incentivizing interference with flights, and it was unaware of the markets until media reports emerged.