Aristocrat had alleged that its patents covered its Hyperlink products and that IGT’s multi-level progressive games - including its Fort Knox, Jackpot Hunter, Party Time! and Wheelionaire mystery progressive systems - infringed the patents which were held invalid.
"IGT respects all valid intellectual property rights in our industry, but we will vigorously enforce and defend our own intellectual property rights when necessary. We are pleased with the Court’s decision in this case," said Stephen W. Morro, IGT’s Chief Operating Officer.
The lawsuit was filed by Aristocrat in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on June 12, 2006. Judge Martin J. Jenkins entered an Order granting IGT’s motion for summary judgment last June 13. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit were Aristocrat Technologies Australia PTY Limited and its US subsidiary, Aristocrat Technologies.