Aristocrat Seizes the Initiative in Legal Battle Against Light & Wonder

Aristocrat Technologies, a leading global provider of gaming solutions, achieved a significant legal victory in its ongoing lawsuit against Light & Wonder, with the United States District Court for the District of Nevada granting a preliminary injunction in Aristocrat’s favor. The legal dispute centers on allegations of intellectual property theft and the misappropriation of trade secrets involving L&W’s Dragon Train game.

The Case Continues to Evolve

On 23 September 2024, Judge Gloria M. Navarro issued a ruling in favor of Aristocrat, halting L&W’s “continued or planned sale, leasing, or other commercialization of Dragon Train.” The court concluded that Aristocrat was “highly likely to succeed in showing L&W misappropriated Aristocrat’s trade secrets” in developing the competing game.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this year, alleges that Dragon Train infringed on key aspects of Aristocrat’s highly successful Dragon Link game. The two games bear significant similarities in their audiovisual components and gameplay mechanics. Aristocrat also alleges that two former employees critical to the development of Dragon Link, Emma Charles and Lloyd Sefton, have been directly involved with the creation of L&W’s Dragon Train.

Aristocrat argued that Light & Wonder had sought to “ride on the success” of Dragon Link rather than invest in developing a unique game. The court’s ruling supported this claim, noting that L&W developed Dragon Train “without investing the equivalent time and money” due to access to proprietary Aristocrat information. Aristocrat alleged that former employees must have revealed trade secrets and confidential information.

A Final Verdict May Be in Sight

Judge Navarro issued the injunction, emphasizing “the public interest in protecting trade secrets and preventing competitors from receiving an unfair advantage.” The court’s order prohibits Light & Wonder from further commercializing Dragon Train, putting on hold any sales and leases of the game while the case proceeds.

Aristocrat chief product officer Matthew Primmer praised the court’s decision. He was optimistic regarding the case’s resolution and hoped the legal system would continue safeguarding businesses’ creative efforts, encouraging growth and innovation. While L&W remains adamant that Aristocrat’s lawsuit was without merit, this newest development indicates that a final verdict may be fast approaching.

This ruling underscores the value of our intellectual property and reaffirms our commitment to protecting the integrity of our business.

Matthew Primmer, Aristocrat chief product officer

While Aristocrat continues to pursue its claims in the United States, the Federal Court of Australia has granted Aristocrat pre-suit discovery against L&W. Aristocrat intends to explore further legal action in that jurisdiction. Meanwhile, the ongoing case in the USA will continue to unfold as both parties prepare for the next phase of litigation.