FlightAware drops Kalshi lawsuit over a market niche that data shows it never took off
The flight-tracking company voluntarily dismissed, without prejudice and without sharing a motive for its decision. However, the flight cancellation market never took off with Kalshi users.
FlightAware has dropped its lawsuit against prediction markets platform Kalshi, reportedly due to low retail interest in the aviation niche and social media backlash. The world's largest flight-tracking company voluntarily dismissed the case without stating the exact reasons in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
FlightAware accused Kalshi of using its flight data and trademark without permission to run bets on airline cancellations, seeking damages and an injunction. However, Kalshi denied violating FlightAware's license or trademark, stating its references were nominative fair use. The low liquidity in the U.S. flight cancellation bet market, with only 31,412 contracts traded and $1,842.48 in aggregate dollar volume, may have influenced FlightAware's decision.
Kalshi paused flight cancellation contracts following concerns over malicious actors causing flight cancellations to collect payouts. The CFTC ordered Kalshi to continue operating in New York.
Written by urgent.news from CoinDesk's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
