WORLD GOLF GROUP SUES LIV GOLF OVER ALLEGED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THEFT

World Golf Group and Premier Golf League have filed a lawsuit in London's Commercial Court against LIV Golf, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and several individuals, alleging breach of confidence and unlawful means conspiracy. The claimants seek damages ranging from £210 million to £630 million. According to the complaint, filed on 16 April, the defendants allegedly used confidential information without permission to launch LIV Golf in June 2022. The lawsuit also names former WGG founders Richard Marsh and Jed Moore, accusing them of breaching fiduciary duties by helping Saudi Arabia establish the breakaway circuit.

Court documents state that the claimants developed the concept for a new golf league called the Premier Golf League over several years, producing business plans, contracts, financial models and other intellectual property. The complaint alleges that LIV Golf replicates the core format of the PGL concept, including shotgun starts, team and individual competition, four-player franchises and knockout formats. The lawsuit claims the defendants conspired to copy this blueprint without the claimants' authorisation. The complaint was not made publicly available, though news organisations obtained copies and verified authenticity through sources with knowledge of the case.

LIV Golf operates within a shifting landscape for professional golf funding. The Public Investment Fund announced earlier this year that it would cease funding LIV Golf after the 2026 season, according to reports. The outcome of the London court case remains pending, with the claimants pursuing substantial financial compensation for the alleged unauthorised use of their intellectual property and strategic concepts.