NBC, Rory McIlroy Sued by App Maker Over Golfpass Service

NBCUniversal Media LLC and pro golfer Rory McIlroy’s “GolfPass” subscription program allegedly infringes trademarks in a “GolfPass” app offering similar services and monopolizes the market for online tee-time bookings, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court.

GolfClub LLC’s GolfPass mobile application “provides members with an easy to use platform for reserving tee times, golf practice, and golf instruction, all at exclusive member rates using an innovative credit based system.” the complaint says. GolfClub said it’s been using the GolfPass name since 2018.

According to the complaint, NBC and McIlroy partnered to create their own GolfPass service in ...