The legal dispute between two online livestock marketing platforms over the use of a business name has entered its second year, with AuctionsPlus and newcomer On The Box at odds. On The Box, launched in December 2023 by a group that includes former AuctionsPlus staff, aims to provide competition in the digital livestock marketing space. The dispute arose as AuctionsPlus had previously used a similar term, ‘What’s on the Box?’, in its newsletter engagement with stakeholders before discontinuing it last year. On The Box argues that the term was already in wide community use.

Greg Szudrich, CEO of On The Box, expressed disappointment in the ongoing legal disputes over the name, stating that it has consumed more time and resources than anticipated. He emphasized that their focus was on providing a platform for vendors, agents, and buyers, and the challenges from AuctionsPlus appear to be aimed at hindering their business rather than legitimate legal concerns. Despite being open to settlement discussions, Szudrich noted that the proposals put forth by AuctionsPlus did not cover basic rebranding costs.

On the other hand, Wynand Snyman, CEO of AuctionsPlus, denied that the legal action was intended to harm On The Box’s business. He highlighted the importance of healthy competition in the industry and stated that the goal was not to shut down a competitor but to ensure a level playing field for all players. Snyman expressed hope for a timely resolution to the matter and emphasized the benefits of competition in driving innovation and growth in the industry.

AuctionsPlus is a dominant player in the Australian online livestock marketing space, with significant market share in cattle and lamb sales. The platform recorded a record year in 2022, handling almost 900,000 cattle and 4.6 million lambs. Snyman stressed the importance of competition in keeping all players sharp and driving industry progress.

While the legal dispute continues between AuctionsPlus and On The Box, both parties remain committed to serving the needs of vendors, agents, and buyers in the livestock marketing industry. The resolution of this matter is crucial for maintaining a competitive and thriving marketplace that benefits all stakeholders. As the industry evolves, it is essential for businesses to navigate legal challenges while staying focused on delivering value to their customers and driving innovation in the sector.