In a notable legal victory, Aristocrat Technologies, a prominent global provider of gaming solutions, has secured a preliminary injunction against Light & Wonder. The injunction pertains to a dispute over the alleged misappropriation of trade secrets related to Aristocrat’s popular Dragon Link and Lightning Link games, which reportedly influenced the development of Light & Wonder’s Dragon Train game.
Judicial findings favor Aristocrat:
On September 23, 2024, Judge Gloria M. Navarro of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada delivered a decisive ruling. The court found sufficient likelihood that Aristocrat would succeed in its claims that Light & Wonder had improperly used its protected trade secrets in the creation of their game. Consequently, the injunction restricts Light & Wonder from any further sale, leasing, or commercialization of the Dragon Train game.
“We are extremely pleased with the court’s decision,” expressed Matthew Primmer, Chief Product Officer of Aristocrat in the company’s press release. He added: “The 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.”
Court’s view on the matter:
The court’s findings highlighted that Light & Wonder could develop Dragon Train without the requisite investment in time and money by leveraging trade secrets from Aristocrat’s established games. This, the court noted, was detrimental not just to Aristocrat but to the public interest in safeguarding trade secrets and maintaining fair competitive practices.
In response to the court’s decision, Light & Wonder articulated their disagreement and intention to challenge the ruling. “We respectfully disagree with the judge’s decision and will promptly file an appeal,” stated a representative from Light & Wonder, as reported on the company’s website. They affirmed their commitment to vigorously defending their position, including taking the matter to trial if necessary.
Beyond the immediate injunction, Aristocrat plans to continue its legal efforts against Light & Wonder in the U.S., seeking all appropriate remedies to address the harm inflicted by the alleged misappropriation. Additionally, Aristocrat is exploring its legal options in Australia, following a grant of pre-suit discovery against Light & Wonder by the Federal Court of Australia earlier this year.
This case not only highlights the complexities of intellectual property in the gaming industry but also underscores the lengths companies will go to protect their innovative products and investments. As Aristocrat continues to innovate and invest in new solutions, this legal protection acts as a cornerstone for its ongoing creative and business endeavors.
