The New England Patriots LLC has agreed to pay $2.16 million to resolve a class action lawsuit over alleged privacy violations involving its official mobile app. Filed under the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), the case accused the team of sharing users’ personal data, including video viewing activity and GPS location, with third parties without consent.
The legal claims focus on how embedded software within the app collected sensitive user information. Eligible app users may qualify for a portion of the New England Patriots Class Action settlement if they meet specific usage criteria during the class period from February 1, 2022, to May 30, 2025. To receive compensation, claims must be submitted by November 23, 2025.
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Software Tools Allegedly Behind Data Collection
At the center of the lawsuit are two third-party technologies: Google’s Anvato API and the Rover SDK. These tools reportedly captured user data each time a video was viewed on the app while location tracking was active. The information was then sent to external partners, which the plaintiffs claim occurred without informed user consent.
The VPPA, originally intended to protect video rental records, has evolved in recent years to cover digital video content. In this case, the law was used to address concerns that the app’s data-sharing practices violated federal protections for video viewing privacy.
Settlement Fund Allocation and Expected Payouts
The $2.16 million settlement will be used to cover legal fees, administrative expenses, and payments to eligible users. The remaining funds will be divided among class members who submit approved claims.
| Settlement Use | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fund Value | $2,160,000 |
| Legal Fees and Attorney Costs | Up to $720,000 |
| Class Representative Compensation | Up to $5,000 |
| Administrative and Notice Costs | To be determined |
| Available for Claimants | Remaining Balance |
Each approved claimant’s share will be determined after all applicable deductions and will depend on the number of valid claims received.
Who Can File a Claim and How
To be eligible for payment, individuals must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be a U.S. resident during the class period.
- Used the Patriots mobile app between February 1, 2022, and May 30, 2025.
- Had location services enabled while using the app.
- Viewed prerecorded or replayed video content through the app during that time.
Claims may be filed in two ways:
- Online application submission through the official settlement website using a claim ID and PIN, if provided.
- Mailing a printed form to:
Serra v. New England Patriots LLC Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 2448, Portland, OR 97208-2448
Payment options include PayPal, Venmo, or a mailed check.
Legal Milestones and Distribution Schedule
Important dates associated with the case include:
- Claim Deadline: November 23, 2025
- Opt-Out Deadline: August 28, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: October 9, 2025
- Expected Payments: Within 90 days after final court approval and resolution of appeals
App Policy Adjustments Under Settlement Terms
As part of the agreement, the Patriots must stop sharing geolocation data through the app unless users explicitly accept an updated privacy policy. This restriction remains unless federal or state privacy laws change in the future.
The settlement reflects increasing legal oversight of how consumer data is managed by mobile applications, even those operated by prominent sports franchises.
