Aristocrat wins preliminary court case against Light & Wonder over game misappropriation
Australia-based supplier gains injunction against Light & Wonder’s Dragon Train slot over similarities with its Dragon Link series
Aristocrat Technologies has won a preliminary court case against Light & Wonder after it was alleged the latter misappropriated trade secrets to create its own slot game, Dragon Train.
Aristocrat claimed Light & Wonder’s title, which launched in the US in March, infringed on the Australia-based supplier’s intellectual property for its Dragon Link slot series, which first debuted in 2017.
The initial complaint was filed back in February, with the US District Court of the District of Nevada granting Aristocrat’s motion for a preliminary injunction against Light & Wonder.
The injunction will prevent Light & Wonder from “any continued or planned sale, leasing, or other commercialization of Dragon Train.”
Siding with Aristocrat’s allegation that Light & Wonder appropriated the former’s company secrets to create Dragon Train, the court stipulated the game was created without the supplier “investing the equivalent time and money.”
Judge Gloria M Navarro also cited “the public interest in protecting trade secrets and preventing competitors from receiving an unfair advantage” as part of the rationale for the decision.
Regarding the court verdict, Matthew Primmer, chief product officer of Aristocrat, said: “We are extremely pleased with the court’s decision. This ruling underscores the value of our intellectual property and reaffirms our commitment to protecting the integrity of our business.
“We will continue to innovate and invest in cutting-edge solutions, knowing that the law protects our creative efforts.”
In response, Light & Wonder expressed its disappointment at the court’s ruling.
A Light & Wonder statement read: “We respectfully disagree with the judge’s decision and will promptly file an appeal. We will continue to vigorously defend against Aristocrat’s claims, including presenting our defences to a jury at a trial.
“We have a diversified portfolio of successful game franchises that are driving our strong performance and growth, of which Dragon Train is only one.
“Increased investment in our R&D engine has and continues to deliver innovative, engaging content that gives us a continuing competitive advantage not tied to any one game or franchise.”
Light & Wonder president and CEO Matt Wilson noted the company’s upward trajectory will continue regardless of the court decision.
He said: “We have the best game design talent in the industry, and they are creating great games across all our channels. We are excited about the new games we will be featuring at the Global Gaming Expo in October.
“We expect our strong growth trajectory to continue, notwithstanding this decision. We have built an amazing business and a solid financial foundation over the last several years, with great teams driving our success, and are highly confident in our future of continuing innovation and ability to achieve our stated 2025 $1.4bn targeted consolidated adjusted EBITDA.”
Aristocrat has said it will continue to pursue its case against Light & Wonder in the US and seek “all appropriate remedies to address the harm caused by Light & Wonder’s actions.”