NHL Settles Antitrust Lawsuit

The National Hockey League has settled an antitrust lawsuit in which fans accused the NHL of conspiring with El Segundo satellite TV giant DirecTV, as well as Comcast Corp. and Madison Square Garden Co., to illegally use blackouts to limit the broadcasting of games outside of teams’ home markets.

As a result, fans claimed they had to purchase bundled game packages instead of being able to buy only the games they wanted to watch.

“We’re pleased to have reached a compromise settlement that resolves the litigation and provides many benefits for NHL fans,” DirecTV spokesman Robert Mercer said.

The NHL has now agreed to allow fans to buy single-team packages at discounted rates of at least 20 percent below the cost of the bundled packages and allow discounts for early subscribers, according to Reuters.

The NHL did not return requests for comment.

Medbox Raises $3.5 million

Medbox Inc., the West Hollywood maker of marijuana dispensing machines, will get $3.5 million in committed funds from investors, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

The money is significant for the company and “reflects confidence in our leadership and enables the company to move forward with its strategic plan,” Medbox Chairman Ned Siegel said in a statement.

Medbox plans to use the money for working capital as well as general purposes, according to company officials.

It could certainly use the cash: The company reported a loss of $4.4 million and revenue of just $41,747 for the three months ended March 31.

The company’s shares rose 23 percent Thursday to close at $0.38.