Match Group, the largest online dating business in the world, has started legal proceedings against Muslim dating app Muzz (formerly Muzmatch) for the third time. The most recent legal case relates to patent infringement over the “Matching Process System and Method”.
In a recent post on LinkedIn, Shahzad Younas, Founder and CEO of Muzz, shared a timeline of the multiple legal proceedings between the two brands. After unsuccessfully trying to acquire Muzz, Match Group started legal proceedings on three occasions, he explained.
The first two cases related to the swiping gesture on the Muzz app, which was settled after Muzz removed the feature; and the use of the word “match” in the name Muzmatch, of which legal proceedings are still ongoing.
In the third case, the issue revolves around a patent infringement of what Younas describes as “digital matchmaking”, saying it is “something as abstract as that”.
“We refused to be acquired by them and so they have decided to aggressively litigate against us. We’re a small startup – they are a multi billion dollar conglomerate. How did we get here?”, Younas said on LinkedIn.
The Muzz CEO also called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Match Group’s actions, citing their dominant position and their treatment of competitors.
Other online dating leaders have expressed support for Muzz, with Stacy Thomson, Founder of REDDI stating “Standing tall with you Shahzad Younas. soul destroying, and totally incomprehensible. Consumers can help here – vote with your feet. Keep going, stay strong”.
Dare Olatoye, Co-founder & CEO of dating app Trueflutter commented on Younas’ post saying “This is blatant, overt, corporate bullying. Their strategy is clear – to exhaust you in court till you capitulate”.